INTRODUCING
SKIPPERS
Our new Music and Performing Arts Centre
It’s no secret that the Dragon School offers an incredible education in music and drama. Skipper’s, our new centre for music and performing arts, was built to unite these two disciplines together under one roof. The building was officially opened by Tom Hiddleston (OD 1994) in September 2024 with a joyful celebration of practice, play, and performance. This state-of-the-art facility reflects the talent and ambitions of our budding performers, who are ably supported by our dedicated team of teachers.
Scroll down to see Skipper’s in action, along with highlights from the impressive build and opening ceremony.
Sadler Hall
The Sadler Hall (our recital hall) is situated adjacent to Lynam Hall and will provide a warm and welcoming space to help our young Dragons develop their skills and confidence by performing to audiences in an intimate setting. The room is fitted with retractable bleacher benching to ensure that the space can be used flexibly for rehearsals as well as a variety of events, workshops and outreach activities for local schools.
The Recording Studios
Skipper’s features impressive, acoustically engineered recording studios. They contain state-of-the-art equipment and is used to make high quality recordings of the wide range of bands, ensembles and choirs at the Dragon. They enrich our curriculum and give our musicians an early introduction to the art of recording, music technology and production.
Rehearsal, Ensemble and Practice Rooms
The new building also features a wide range of ensemble rooms, classrooms for curriculum learning, departmental rooms and 26 soundproofed individual practice rooms. These dedicated areas give our pupils the space they need to practice, listen and compose music. Instrument storage is positioned throughout the building to ensure quick turnover between lessons.
Mamut Wellbeing Garden
In a busy and dynamic school environment, children benefit when they have access to quiet space. A south-facing, landscaped garden is situated between a cloistered walkway and Lane House, and provides a calm and picturesque location for children to relax in. Featuring amphitheater seating and an adjacent foyer, the garden is also used for creative performances and gives pupils an opportunity to showcase their talents to audiences in a unique outdoor setting. The garden also provides the School with an ideal venue to host Dragon community events, from social gatherings for current families to Old Dragon reunions and social impact activities.
We are grateful to everyone who supported Skipper’s. A limited number of opportunities are available to name rooms, lockers and spaces. This can either be your name, your family name, or in honour of someone you love, for example a favourite teacher. Remaining opportunities can be seen below. For more information, please contact Frances Wheare, Director of Development and Social Impact on +44 (0)1865 315 415 or email [email protected]
“The positive impact and difference this build has already made to our young Dragons, staff and community is off the scale. I am so excited for the future of music and performance at the Dragon.”
William Morris, Director of Music
“Moving into Skippers this year has had a transformational effect on our busy and vibrant Music Outreach programme. The fantastic multiple performance spaces housed under one roof have provided us with a bespoke self-contained hub for all our activities and creates a backdrop with an undeniable ‘wow factor’ in which the children from our partner schools are so excited to join us.”
David Stuart, Head of Music Outreach
“This is such an exciting time for Performing Arts at Dragon. The new state-of-the-art centre provides unique opportunities to harness and foster creativity. It is a brilliant rehearsal space.”
Charlie Ponder, Head of Drama
Naming Opportunities
A limited number of opportunities are available to name spaces within Skipper’s. This can either be your name, your family name, or in honour of someone you love, for example a favourite teacher. For more information, please contact Frances Wheare, Director of Development and Social Impact on +44 (0)1865 315 415 or email [email protected]
Musical Instrument Lockers
£3,000
There are a number of lockers situated throughout the building
for young Dragons to store their instruments
Musical Notes on our Donor Board
£10,000
The board proudly displays the notes of the chorus
of our school song, the Carmen Draconiense.
Discover the Dragon
Book an Open Morning
There's only one way to properly experience the Dragon, and that is to come and see us in action. We hold Open Mornings every term at both the Pre-Prep and the Prep.
How to apply
When it comes to education, one size doesn’t fit all. Finding the right school is a highly personal, two-way process and our Admissions team are on hand to answer any questions you have.
Call us on +44 (0)1865 315 405 / 413.
Discover Quest
Dragon Quest is our thrilling enrichment program where children learn new skills and try out new things, reaping the benefits of a school that places equal weight on intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. Some of the activities have direct academic benefits, others are focused on building friendships and life skills.