Choir rehearsals at St Antony’s Catholic Primary School in Newham sound different from most.
Its social choir has replaced traditional hymns with songs about the living wage, social housing and the local housing crisis.
In a borough undergoing rapid gentrification, these pupils are using music to address the ‘underbelly’ of their community the families struggling on the breadline.
Located in one of the most deprived areas of Newham, St Antony’s currently ranks in the top 0.1% of schools nationally.
However, for many families in the area, the school’s support with daily essentials is just as important as the classroom.
With 35% of pupils eligible for free school meals and 30% reporting serious housing issues, the school operates its ‘MAE’ (Mary as an Example) service to provide students with three meals a day.
Headteacher Angela Moore shared how the school chooses to focuses on ‘social, moral, cultural and spiritual’ learning to help students turn their lived experiences into advocacy.
She said: “Our children are very aware that their voice makes a difference. It is easier to shut the door on an adult, but not on a child.”
And their songs, written by music teacher Nathan Chan, reflect this broad curriculum – from the living wage to the government’s Warm Homes Plan.
In October 2025, that advocacy moved from the classroom to Parliament Square.
Joining hundreds of community leaders with Citizens UK, the pupils helped launch the ‘Fix it First’ campaign.
The mission was specific: demanding that the government prioritise essential home repairs for the millions of people living with damp, mould and poor insulation.
The students lobbied the Minister for Energy Consumers, Martin McCluskey, directly.
They performed a rewritten version of “Can We Fix It?” – transforming the childhood theme song into a political challenge regarding the state of the UK’s social housing.
For the pupils, the choice of a song over a written letter was a tactical one.
Joshua, a former pupil at the school, said: “If you write a letter, they might not pay attention. But when you get out there and perform, the government actually listens because it shows how much you care.”
The school’s work extends beyond the choir. The staff act as a ‘village’ of support, with Moore and her team frequently driving parents to the council to advocate for better living conditions.
One recent success story involved a family of seven living in a one-bedroom flat for years who were finally rehoused following the school’s pressure on the local authority.
Moore added: “The impact is direct and powerful. It creates a completely different worldview for the children because they see themselves as valued.”
The work at St Antony’s aims to produce more than just high test scores. Whether they eventually become doctors, teachers, or professional musicians, these pupils are being taught to become active citizens.
As they continue with their rehearsals, they carry a clear understanding: their voices have an immense power.
Listen to the radio package below to find out more.
Featured Image: Georgia Rowe
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