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Reflecting the ceremonial tradition of Gordon's

A unique and famous feature of Gordon’s is our 50 strong Band of Pipes and Drums. The Pipes and Drums reflect the ceremonial tradition of Gordon’s School. The Pipes and Drums wear a form of military uniform incorporating the Gordon Tartan and the same uniform is worn by all students for ceremonial Parades.

From inception, the Gordon’s Boys’ Home in Dover had a Pipe Band, tutored by the Pipe Major of the Seaforth Highlanders, who, at the time, were posted to Dover Castle. Sadly, in 1941, the Home in Dover was bombed and it was at this time that the Pipe Band were relocated to the Home in West End, now known as Gordon’s School. In 1941, the Band consisted of six boys and has grown over the last 80 years to the Band you see today, establishing a lasting tradition within the School.

Gordon’s School Pipes and Drums has been fortunate enough to perform in front of Her Majesty The Queen at Westminster Abbey in 2014 for An Observance of the Commonwealth, as well as performing in the Lord Mayor’s Show and Windsor Castle, to name but a few. Every year, the Pipes and Drums lead the annual Parade through Whitehall which is always a highlight of the Band’s calendar. In 2022, their 80^th anniversary year, the Pipes and Drums returned to Menin Gate to take part in the Last Post Association Service; attended the Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships; and in August 2022, took part in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Green for the first time in its history.

Our aspiration is to have a Band that is world renowned, a reason why some students might chose Gordon’s ahead of any other school. In the coming years we aim for the Band to tour overseas, to compete in regional, British (Scottish Schools annual gathering) and international competitions (World Championships in Glasgow), and form lasting links with UK and overseas schools that also have Pipes and Drums.

Partnership with the National Piping Centre

A continuing partnership with the National Piping Centre, which came to fruition in 2022, sees the delivery of scholarship lessons for the School’s appointed Piping Scholars; regular exam delivery for pipers of all abilities; a yearly performance in the Piping Live! festival held in August in Glasgow; and regular access to Masterclasses for our students either delivered by tutors of the National Piping Centre or by tutors from their National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland Department.

In addition, the School is sometimes used as a centre for weekend schools for the wider piping community which also provides access to world-class piping performances when recitals are held at the School.

Please click here to view Bagpipe News article on the partnership.

Sixth Form Pipes and Drums Scholarship

Scholarships in bagpipes are offered to students demonstrating exceptional ability. Successful students will receive up to three hours of tuition every week either from representatives of the National Piping Centre or Gordon's Senior Pipe Major. In addition they may take part in Masterclasses. Gordon's is partnered with The Force, which delivers the Drum Major aspect of the Pipes and Drums Scholarship.

Please click here for further information and  to complete the Pipes and Drums Scholarship application form.

Sponsorship is also welcomed from other partners. As a sponsor, your company logo would feature on the bass drum, so would be instantly identifiable and seen across the world. It would also be included on the school website and any programmes, social media posts linked with the event. You would also be offered ringside seats! Sponsorship offers the chance to not only support a hard-working, disciplined group of young people but helps continue a heritage and tradition of over a century. Contact Jemma Moreau (jmoreau@gordons.school) for further information.

Pipes and Drums Tour 2025

The Pipes and Drums arranged their own special tribute to General Gordon as part of the celebrations for the 140th Anniversary of Gordon's School in 2025. They performed in places associated with General Gordon, kicking off their tour with visits and performances at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The map below shows some of the places they performed over the year. 

playing for His Majesty King Charles at Windsor Castle

 

A Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Pipes and Drums

In February 2022 the Pipes and Drums held a special celebration of its 80th Anniversary, with a concert in the school Chapel of St Edward the Confessor. Special guests at the event included The Sevenoaks Trio; Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums - South; City of London Pipe Band; Pipe Major Roger Huth; solo piping judge Roddy Livingstone and a Highland dancing display from the Esslemonts. The evening raised £1,228.25 which was divided between SSAFA The Armed Forces charity and Fight for Sight. Please see below for a recording of the concert.

Please click here to see our Pipes and Drums Band perform in Whitehall at the school's annual Parade in remembrance of General Gordon. Below is a video of them taking part in the Last Post Association Remembrance Service at Menin Gate, Ypres in July 2026.

Approaching Buckingham Palace during National Marching Music Day 2026:

The Pipes and Drums took part in the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, for the first time in their history in August 2022. Since then they have competed annually. Below is a video of their most recent performance in 2025:

The Scottish Schools Pipe Band Championships 2026, where Gordon's Pipes and Drums compete as the only English school!

The Pipes and Drums as you've never seen them before! Showing another side to their traditional attire and music -

Senior Pipe Major: Mrs Iona Scotson - iscotson@gordons.school.

Student Leadership Team:

Drum Major: B Shorter
Pipe Major: R Green
Drum Sergeant: O Eagle
Pipe Sergeant: M Simpson
Pipe Corporal: A Wright
Drum Corporal: N Wong
Mid Section Lead: E Goodman

2025-2026 events