Launch of QP Radio Station

Work on the facility started back in September 2019 and includes state of the art equipment, sound proofed studio and brand signage. Shows will be broadcast in school first thing in the morning, before lessons start and over lunchtimes, enabling a team of 20 presenters to host their own shows each term. The station will be managed by sixth form students who will act as station managers, technicians and producers for the shows which students from all years will be presenting.

The new facility has been installed thanks to a generous grant from the Cheshire Community Foundation. 

“We are delighted to have been able to fund an initiative that develops students’ technical, presenting and management skills and provides entertainment for the whole student body.  I’m sure QP Radio will be a great success.”

Zoe Sheppard, CEO at Cheshire Community Foundation

Sean Taylor, Curriculum Team Leader for the Physical and Performing Arts is very proud of the facility added,

“This support has allowed us to offer something that goes above and beyond our already broad curriculum offer. The purpose-built radio facility will provide the opportunity for students to gain real life vocational experience. Operating via a student led mentoring system, it will give students a real sense of independence and will drive forwards additional opportunities for them to have a sense of ownership and pride in not only our school, but in their educational experiences too.”

Sean Taylor, Curriculum Team Leader for the Physical and Performing Arts

Gavin Matthews of local radio station Dee 106.3 was very supportive of the project and reflected on his own experiences of radio growing up, he said,

“When I was starting out as a teenager, there were no radio stations in schools, but there was hospital radio. For any would be broadcaster, getting used to being behind a microphone and feeling comfortable there, is vital – and the earlier you start, the better! It is a privileged position to be in. My most important piece of advice: although you’re talking to many, you are actually talking to each person as an individual. Radio is a one to one medium, it’s unique. That’s why it is still so popular and has a special place in the hearts of most people.”

Gavin Matthews DJ at Dee 106.3

Auditions for the show DJs will be taking place in September during the first term of the academic year with the first broadcast scheduled for November 2020.