18 July 2025
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Kirkham Grammar has appointed Michael Hodgkinson as the school's new Director of Performing Arts, effective September 2025. The new role is set to unify the school’s Music and Drama departments, and paves the way for the first Senior school musical production in many years.
A seasoned educator and accomplished musician, Mr Hodgkinson earned his degree in Music from Royal Holloway, University of London. He has since held leadership positions at The Blackpool Sixth Form College and AKS Lytham Independent School, where he successfully oversaw the Music and Performing Arts departments.
Mr Hodgkinson said, "As someone who grew up in Blackpool and has worked across this region for many years, I’ve long been aware of Kirkham’s strong reputation in music and performance. I was drawn to the school’s leadership, and the Head's forward-thinking vision really resonated with me. This is a great opportunity to grow something outstanding from the strong foundations that already exist."
With a background in classical music, as a composer and multi-instrumentalist, Mr Hodgkinson's appointment aligns with the school's ethos of blending heritage with modernity. He continued, "Kirkham Grammar School places a strong emphasis on tradition, particularly in school life and music-making. But the school also embraces new ideas and current trends to make sure pupils leave with relevant skills, which mirrors my own approach. There’s a real appetite here for musical theatre, and I’m excited to tap into that with the school’s first staged musical in years."
Mr Hodgkinson has a track record of success having helped many students gain places at top theatre schools, music conservatoires, and both Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
In his first term, he plans to revive traditional concerts, making full use of the school’s atmospheric venues, such as The Old Hall. Mr Hodgkinson said, “The Christmas Concert will be the highlight of the year. I plan to bring something really special to Kirkham from day one, creating experiences that resonate throughout the school community.”
Parents and pupils can look forward to an exciting future for Performing Arts at Kirkham Grammar School, including collaborative productions, expanded co-curricular opportunities, and a deeper integration of LAMDA qualifications, choral work, and musical theatre.
The Head, Mr Tallan Gill, who's vision for Kirkham Grammar centres on a holistic approach that integrates academic excellence with a strong focus on the arts, music and sport, said, "Michael's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Creative Arts at our school. Michael's vision, talent and experience will bring renewed cohesion between Music and Drama, opening up a new world of opportunities for our pupils.
"This is a fantastic time for young people who are passionate about performance, creativity and collaboration to be part of our school community. Prospective parents and pupils are warmly invited to meet our Performing Arts team and experience life at Kirkham Grammar at our Whole School Open Day on 5th October.”
Auditions for the forthcoming musical will take place over the summer, with support from the school’s talented Drama and LAMDA team.
“We’re hitting the ground running," Mr Hodgkinson added. "The future is about developing existing excellence and creating new opportunities across Music and Drama at Kirkham Grammar School.”
