Bridge of Weir Primary competes in national glee club final

After winning the regional round, the Renfrewshire school’s choir reached the national glee club final and received a personal message from singer Emeli Sandé. 

The talented young performers of Bridge of Weir Primary School’s glee choir, known as Take a BOW, have sung their way to the national stage after securing a place in the Scottish Primary School Glee Challenge 2025, ran by the Frisson Foundation.   

The competition seeks to find the country’s best school glee choir.  

Bridge of Weir’s path to the final was both unexpected and inspiring. Initially just outside the qualifying bracket in the district round, the school was invited to the regional final after another team withdrew. They seized the opportunity, winning first place for the West of Scotland and earning a spot in the national final, despite having little time to prepare.     

Taking the stage at the iconic Usher Hall in Edinburgh, the choir proudly represented the West of Scotland, marking the first time a Renfrewshire school has competed in the competition.  

This year’s theme celebrated Scottish artists, and Bridge of Weir’s choir opened their performance with “Love Lost” by Calum Bowie, who also sang live at the event.  

Their second song was “Read All About It” by Emeli Sandé, which came with an unforgettable surprise. The choir received a personal good luck video message from the chart-topper herself, made possible by Sandé’s personal connection to a parent at the school. The heartfelt message created a real buzz among the pupils and staff, adding a huge boost of excitement to the day.  

One member of Take a BOW said: “It has been great to be part of a Glee Choir as we have learned to dance and sing at the same time! We have worked so hard rehearsing our vocals and dance routines, but it was totally worth it the night our name was called as winners. We couldn’t believe it, but it was the best feeling in the world!”   

Although they didn’t make it through the final round against the nine other school choirs, their remarkable journey from competing locally to performing the Usher Hall stage in their very first year of the competition has been a huge source of pride and inspiration for the school.  

Depute Head Teacher, Sharon Grant, said: “This experience has brought us together with a real sense of community. It’s as if we’ve become a team, working hard under the guidance of our talented teachers and supported by our amazing parents, cheering us on in matching t-shirts and sharing every high and low.” 

Headteacher Susan Bell added: “The Frisson Foundation has been a joy to work with as they exemplify the values that the school holds dear such as fairness and kindness. All the choirs and children were treated with respect and encouraged every step of the way. It was an amazing adventure.” 

Councillor Emma Rodden, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “This is a landmark achievement for Renfrewshire. To go from having no schools competing to reaching the national finals is a testament to the talent, dedication, and spirit of our young people and educators.   

“Bridge of Weir Primary has set a new standard and inspired a whole region. Congratulations to everyone involved, you’ve made us all incredibly proud.”