In the mix
Nov & Dec 2025
Contents P3: Message from CEOs P4: Winter Wellbeing P5: Careers and Next Steps P6 - 9: Swan Studios P10 -11: The Machine Room P12 - 13: Ditto X
Open Evenings Do you know someone who might be interested in SupaJam as the next step of their educational journey? Encourage them to sign up to our next Open Evenings in January !
P14-15: SupaJam Brighton P16-17: SupaJam Canterbury P18: SupaJam Swanley P19 - SupaJam Wandsworth
supajam_education
semmukonline
P20 - Upcoming Dates
supajameducation407 supajam-education-inmusic-and-media
Dear Guardians and Students, As we approach the end of a busy term and the festive season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a truly successful year for SupaJam Education and to share some exciting updates with you. This year, SupaJam has grown by 60 additional students. This is a significant milestone and reflects the trust that so many young people and families place in our unique approach to education. It also speaks to the positive, inclusive and creative environment across our colleges, where students are supported to develop confidence, skills and independence. We have also made important progress with our facilities. In Canterbury, we have secured an additional building directly opposite our existing college. This will allow us to expand provision by a further 15–20 students from the next academic year, creating more opportunities for young people to access specialist support in a purpose-built learning environment. In Swanley, after a prolonged period of working in temporary and restricted conditions, we are pleased to confirm that our new building is now being completed, with the move taking place this week. This marks an important step forward for students and staff alike and will provide a much improved space for learning from January.
We are also delighted to share some particularly exciting news about the future of SupaJam. Planning is now underway for our fifth SupaJam college, SupaJam Earls Court. The site is currently being developed and will be open for Open Evenings from mid-February, ahead of an official opening in September 2026. This represents another significant milestone in our journey and our continued commitment to supporting more young people through specialist, creative education. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to our exceptional team. Their dedication, professionalism and belief in our students sit at the heart of everything we do. They work tirelessly to support young people not only academically, but personally and creatively, and we are enormously grateful for everything they do. Finally, we would like to wish all our students, parents and families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a restful holiday period. Thank you for being part of the SupaJam community and for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year for another exciting chapter. With warmest wishes, David Court & Nick House Co-Founders, SupaJam Education
PS: Over the holidays, we fully encourage rest, family time and the occasional practice session… just remember that “turn it down a bit” is still a valid musical instruction!
Winter Wellbeing As we approach the Christmas holidays, we want to take a moment to remind you that support is available if you need it during this time. Please note that SupaJam will be closed from Thursday 18th December until Monday 5th January. During this period, staff will not be accessing emails, texts, or phone calls, and responses will resume when we reopen. We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for some people, and it’s important to know where you can turn for support if you’re struggling.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, or just need someone to talk to, the following services are available throughout the holidays: Samaritans - Free, confidential support 24/7 https://www.samaritans.org/howwe-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/ Call 116 123 samaritans.org Shout - A free text messaging service for support https://giveusashout.org/ Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7) KOOTH - https://www.kooth.com/one-to-one-support NHS 111 – For urgent mental health help and advice
In an Emergency If you are in immediate danger or feel at risk of harming yourself or others:
Call 999 straight away, or Go to your nearest A&E department You deserve support, and help is always available - even when SupaJam is closed. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to these services if you need them. We wish you a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing you when SupaJam reopens on Tuesday 6th January. Take care of yourselves.
Careers and next steps This term, our Level 2 students have been taking part in 1:1 careers chats, exploring their future goals and options. These sessions will continue next term, and Level 1 students will also have the opportunity to take part.
Ucas deadline: 14th January!
If your young person is finishing college this year or thinking about what’s next, and they’re keen to work but don’t feel totally ready yet, a supported internship could be a great fit. These usually run for a year and combine unpaid work experience with job coaching and Maths and English support if needed. Many young people go on to paid jobs or apprenticeships after completing the programme. Check out the links below for more info! Brighton https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/easy-read-information/jobs-education-andtraining-young-people-send/get-help-find-internship-or-supported-internshipyoung-people-send https://teamdomenica.com/what-we-do/our-programmes/supported-internshipprogramme/ https://www.plumpton.ac.uk/courses/supported-internship-18-level-1-2-3-199/
Canterbury and Swanley https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/special-educational-needs-anddisabilities/support-for-young-people-with-special-educational-needs-anddisabilities/employment-for-young-people-with-send/your-job-options/supportedinternships
Wandsworth https://fis.wandsworth.gov.uk/kb5/wandsworth/fsd/advice.page?id=A-peLCKktFg
Swan Studios is SupaJam’s in-house recording studio, giving students the opportunity to work in a professional environment while supporting their RSL studies. Our aim is to provide real recording experience that students can carry into their future careers. They gain hands-on skills by working on personal and college projects alongside our in-house producer, Sam Coppins. Work experience is central to Swan Studios, especially for Level 1s. Every student completes internal work experience, developing practical skills, professionalism, organisation and commitment. This also helps the team identify students who are ready for external opportunities - whether that’s releasing a track on our label, becoming a session musician, or supporting sessions as a runner. Sky Rocket Records is a fully functioning record label run by students, for students. It distributes SupaJam music across all major platforms and gives young artists the chance to develop their identity, learn how a real label operates, and understand the wider industry beyond creating and recording music.
Upcoming releases Billy Wilson & Leo Burgess — EP (New Year Release) SupaJam student Billy Wilson teams up with exstudent Leo Burgess for an exciting new EP dropping in the New Year. Expect fresh songwriting, sharp production and a collaboration that highlights the best of both artists. More details coming soon! Liv Jodie Toombs (StarDumb) - Full Album (New Year Release) An entire album is on the way from Liv Jodie Toombs, recorded on our Canterbury campus. Produced and mixed by Mac, the project showcases Liv’s songwriting and recording skills, supported by session musicians Justin and Josh Hurst. A standout release shaped entirely within the SupaJam community.
Please click the link to share your feedback on the service — your input helps us continue to improve and support our community.
We’re excited to share the tracklist for the SupaJam Compilation Album, showcasing the talent, creativity and hard work of our students across the colleges. This release celebrates the music made throughout the academic year 2024/25 and offers a snapshot of the diverse sounds coming out of SupaJam. We’re also looking ahead to the 2026 compilation, where Wandsworth students will feature as well! Keep an eye out for the release!
Swanley Oak Lawlo r — Grin Jax Crow — NFNF Elisa Izet — Everyon e is Cruel Leighton MacKenzie — O n ce in a Wh Shades — ile I Wanna R oll With Y Jess Tidm o u arsh — Do wn Here Canterbu r y Emma Hol t — Millio n Years Owen Swe eney — Do L o ok at Me Oakley Os mand — Th e Man Liv Jowdie Toombs — Peace Brighton Rizzas — B ank Acco unt Blues The Will — P a r a noid Ryan Sam uels — Th e Virtual World
New Sky Rocket Release: Jazzi3 5Ø – Down Here Jazzi3 5Ø (Jess Tidmarsh) has released her debut single “Down Here” on Sky Rocket Records. Working closely with Sam, Jess has crafted a bold, glitch-pop sound with an experimental edge. The track explores themes of hope and connection, reflected in her Swanley-inspired artwork. “Down Here” is out now! Keep an eye on JAZZI3 5Ø as she continues to develop her sound!
New EP Release: My Grime Story – Traemoy SupaJam student Traemoy (Nathaniel Hurley) has released his powerful new EP “My Grime Story”. A rising Grime artist, Traemoy takes full creative control of his work - writing, recording, directing his visuals and leading his own releases. Fresh from a standout Swanley gig performance, the EP is out now on Bandcamp and features a remix of the title track plus a collaboration with fellow student Billy Wilson. Go give it a listen and show your support.
From St Mary’s Road to Abbey Road: Justination’s Life after SupaJam During his time at SupaJam, Justin AKA Justination was known for his exceptional musicianship, work ethic and calm professionalism. Since graduating, he has continued to build on those foundations, with his involvement in the Big Truck project marking a major turning point in his professional journey. Justin joined Big Truck as a session musician, recording at Marshall Studios. His contribution quickly made an impression, leading to paid session work, writing credits, PRS registration and a record deal. So significant was his impact that Laurie Vincent, founder of Big Truck, invited Justin to join the band as a shareholder - an incredibly rare achievement for a young musician.
One of the standout stories from this journey was when Justin told the team at Abbey Road that he’d left a university lecture early to attend the mastering session. When asked what the lecture was on, he replied, “How to mix and master music”. A conflict we’re sure his lecturer would have understood. Justin has also secured a Marshall endorsement and continues to build a career grounded in talent, humility and hard work. His journey is a powerful SupaJam success story, showing what’s possible when dedication meets real opportunity.
Jayden’s Trip to Abbey Road Jayden, a Brighton Level 3 student, is rarely without a camera. You’ll usually find him at the skate park, filming high-quality clips of his friends landing tricks and piecing it all together with a sharp eye for detail. When the mastering opportunity came up, Jayden stepped in as videographer, documenting the incredible day of creativity at Abbey Road. Jayden made a great impression on everyone involved and is keen to continue developing his involvement in future projects. Look out for more updates on Jayden’s journey as a videographer!
Work with producer Tommy My name is Tommy and I'm a Level 3 student at SupaJam Brighton. I work as a producer and help artists record, mix and master their music to perfection. On average I do four, two hour sessions every week! Artists typically contact me via social media or email. My favourite genres to work with are rap, hip hop and R&B. In total I have 3 and a half million streams on spotify with my most successful song having 890,000 streams. If any SupaJam students want to collaborate with me you can contact me via tommy.franchi@supajam-education.org
The Machine Room
The Machine Room is SupaJam's professional radio and podcast studio in Canterbury with satellite studios in Wandsworth, Swanley and Brighton. As well as broadcasting our 24 hour radio station the Machine Room also produces professional POdcasts, radio shows and numerous student podcasts.
Where can I listen to podcasts? Youtube video
Spotify
Radio Producer Tells Us Industry Secrets! This podcast and YouTube episode dives into the work of freelance radio producer Casey Dale, a contributor to award-winning shows including BBC Introducing. Recorded live at SupaJam Canterbury, with more sessions planned across the SupaJam community. Whether you’re aiming for a career in radio or podcasting, or you’re a musician, songwriter or rapper looking for insider advice on getting your work heard, this episode is packed with practical tips.
Our Student Brad Talks About Performing Music in Different Languages SupaJam Brighton’s student Brad has a strong interest in languages, cultures and most importantly international music. In this episode Brad spoke to us about some of his favourite songs and artists. We also got to hear an exclusive introduction to an international song Brad was off to perform on stage later that day. If you want to explore different corners of the global music scene, this episode is for you!
Apple Podcasts
Podbean
Live from the Gulbenkian Live from the Gulbenkian
In November, some of our Canterbury students performed at The Gulbenkian. This is the University of Kent’s Arts Centre which hosts a variety of professional live performances, including plays, comedy and other forms of arts entertainment. Our students were given the incredible opportunity of a paid gig. For some of our students this was their first ever paid music opportunity, what a way to kick off your career! They put on an incredible show and luckily for you we’ve been able to record short interviews with all four of our performers so you can find out first hand what it was like performing live at The Gulbenkian. Huge shout out to David Maitland, our Radio, Podcast & Music Producer, who put so much work into organising and supporting these performances!
Voicing Change: SupaJam Students Support Unlimited’s Anti-Exploitation Campaign Recently, SupaJam Canterbury students teamed up with Unlimited to record audio for their new Anti-Exploitation Campaign and Course. Unlimited is a charity that champions disabled artists and works to create a fairer arts sector. The course empowers artists and organisations to recognise and prevent exploitation, tackling the reality that while disabled people make up 23% of the working-age population, 86% of disabled artists have been asked to work for free. Unlimited partnered with our students to provide valuable work experience and ensure the course is voiced by the people it’s designed to support. Over several days in the studio, students recorded an accessible audio version of the course for those who struggle with reading, showing outstanding professionalism and voice acting. We strongly recommend this short course to any young artist looking to protect themselves in their creative career. It’s out now, and you can hear our students’ voices at the bottom of each page: Thanks and credit to: Dali, David, Ewan, Jamie Ab., Jamie As., Kyle, Leo, Lily, Mason, Oakley, Pamela, Ronnie, Ruby, Toby, Tyler.
Ditto X: Meet the Industry Every year, music industry professionals gather in London for DITTO X – the UK’s biggest music conference and a major hub for connecting emerging artists, producers and music professionals. The event centres on learning, career development and creating a more accessible music industry, with panels, workshops and performances hosted by leading platforms like BBC, Spotify, YouTube and Vevo. A highlight of the day was seeing our own Tom Johnston (Outreach & Creative Industries Lead) chair a panel on Supporting Young Music Creatives, joined by Phoebe Cross (Youth Music) and Gill Tee (Black Deer), offering students practical advice and guidance as they begin their journeys into the music industry.
For the second year in a row, SupaJam partnered with Ditto Music to take our Level 3 students from Brighton, Canterbury and Swanley and all our Wandsworth students to the iconic Indigo at The O2 for their annual “Meet The Music Industry” event. Students had access to real networking opportunities with A&Rs, managers and labels, as well as an Industry Market featuring major organisations and exhibitors. The day was packed with panels, interviews, workshops, live performances and valuable feedback sessions led by expert speakers, artists and industry brands.
Want to find out more about Ditto X? Youth Music Funding - Live from DITTO X Are you interested in the funding available to young musicians and how the music industry is working to financially support neuro-diverse creators? Recorded live at DITTO X 2024 this podcast is a great insight into the way the music industry is trying to become more inclusive and accessible!
Live at the DITTO Music Conference - Supporting Young Music Creatives! SupaJam hosted a panel talk at the UK’s largest music conference this year - DITTO X 2025! Our very own Outreach and Creative Industries Lead, Tom Johnston, led a conversation with Gill Tee and Phoebe from Youth Music. They talked about opportunities for young people in the music industry, giving out some amazing stories that highlighted their experience in supporting this cause. This episode is packed with incredible advice so definitely worth a listen if you’re looking for support in the early stages of your career.
SupaJam Brighton Level 1 80s gig
Sussex trip On the 19th November Brighton’s Level 3 students went to look at Sussex University. Not only does this uni offer great courses, especially in music and media, but they’re a uni that really promotes student wellbeing at the core of their ethos. This is the second year we’ve taken our Level 3 students there and the trip remains a success. This year students participated in a Zine making workshop, had a great tour of the campus and a fantastic lunch! Thank you Sussex University for a wonderful and informative trip!
This term, our SupaJam Brighton Level 1 students planned and delivered a fantastic gig as part of their RSL course, showing real teamwork and commitment. Harry shone as Set Designer and Lighting Engineer, while Rufus kept everything running smoothly as Stage Manager. Oliver and Logan worked brilliantly on sound, and Riley supported the stage setup throughout. . Alongside the gig, the group ran their enterprise project, SensoryJam, selling sensory toys and colouring books to fund a mini Christmas party. The performances from our Level 2 and 3 students were outstanding, and we’re incredibly proud of the talent and dedication across SupaJam.
busking at Hove station On Tuesday 16th December, our Brighton students headed to Hove Station to spread some festive cheer by busking in support of Mind Charity. Their performances brought a joyful atmosphere to the station while raising awareness and funds for an important cause, showcasing both their musical talent and community spirit. What was especially nice to see was how many parents, friends and other members of the SupaJam community came out to support the students.
White Ribbon awareness day at Hove station In partnership with Hove Station, students helped create a simple but effective message to raise awareness and support for White Ribbon Day, an international campaign that encourages everyone, especially men and boys, to take a stand against violence towards women and girls. By giving out crocheted white hearts and “kindness” cards to members of the public, they spent the morning spreading positivity and goodwill throughout our local community. It was a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with the public and see the impact of small acts of kindness firsthand.
Hope and ruin christmas gig! Our Christmas gig at the Hope & Ruin was the perfect way to end the year, with a packed venue buzzing with festive energy. The afternoon showcased standout performances from almost all our students, alongside a special set from SupaJam Brighton alumni and a brilliant guest performance from SupaJam Swanley alumni Daisy, supported by Swanley staff. The gig opened with a DJ set from Kieran, flowed through a series of confident, high-energy performances, and closed beautifully with the choir. An afternoon full of Christmas spirit that truly highlighted how much our students’ confidence has grown since September.
SupaJam Canterbury Canterbury Christmas market
Maya’s Community Hub
On Thursday, our SupaJam Canterbury students took to the stage for our annual slot at the Canterbury Christmas Market, and it was truly the best one yet. Students across all levels delivered a fantastic range of performances, creating a warm, festive atmosphere and showcasing their confidence and musicianship in a busy public setting.
Our Level 2 students recently completed their WEX placement at Maya’s Community Hub, where they helped sort and organise food donations. It was a valuable experience that supported the local community while building teamwork and responsibility.
A big thank you goes to our Level 2 student Kyle, who captured the day beautifully through his photographs. We’re incredibly proud of how well all the students represented SupaJam.
Canterbury Christ Church University Trip On Wednesday this week, a group of our Level 3 students headed to Canterbury Christ Church University to do a recording workshop and have a talk about the different courses that they offer in the music department. The students who attended did really well and recorded a cover of ‘Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd’
GULBENKIAN Students recently performed live electronic music at the Gulbenkian, a major theatre in Canterbury, as part of a large-scale performance night. The project followed two and half months of hard work, with students composing and preparing original material, and one student also creating live reactive visuals using specialist software and a large LED wall. The night also featured professional dancers, a full light show and music from renowned producer Floating Points. Check out our YouTube page to watch the performances - it’s well worth it! Flip to our podcasts page for easy access to them!
Christmas Gig @ the Lounge
We rounded off the term with our end-of-term showcase at The Lounge on 16th December, and it was a brilliant way to see out the year. The performances were confident, heartfelt and full of personality, with students rising to the challenge of performing live with no backing tracks. The room was buzzing with energy, and it was a real joy to see how much progress everyone has made over the term. A strong, uplifting end to the year and a reminder of the talent we’re lucky to have on stage.
SupaJam Swanley Children In Need On Friday 14th, SupaJam Swanley marked Children in Need with a bake sale in support of this brilliant cause. Staff and students came together by baking, donating cakes and wearing yellow for the day, creating a real sense of community and generosity. Thanks to everyone’s support, we raised a fantastic £125.20 for Children in Need. A huge thank you to all who contributed, your kindness and effort made the day such a success.
end of term gig Our end-of-term gig was a huge success, with an amazing turnout of students, staff, family and friends coming together to support our student performers. The room was filled with energy and encouragement, creating a really special atmosphere for everyone involved. The performances showcased the incredible talent we have at SupaJam Swanley, with students taking to the stage confidently and delivering memorable sets across a range of styles. It was a brilliant way to celebrate their hard work and end the term on a real high.
Our Level 1 and 2 students have worked incredibly hard this term on their enterprise project, raising an impressive £227.00 for Swanley Foodbank. They created a range of beautiful handmade Christmas items, including baubles, cards, sweet treats and necklaces and bracelets, which were sold to support this important cause. The attached photo shows our Level 1 students proudly handing over the funds to Swanley Foodbank staff. A wonderful moment that captures the generosity, creativity and community spirit of SupaJam Swanley.
SupaJam Wandsworth Art Class In Aphia’s Additional Curriculum Art Class, students had the opportunity to explore their creativity by painting on canvas. The sessions were both calming and enjoyable, allowing students to experiment with colours and techniques while expressing themselves freely. It was wonderful to see their ideas come to life and the confidence they gained through the process.
Student gig SupaJam Wandsworth hosted its first ever gig! This gave both Level 1 and Level 2 students the chance to perform in a supportive and encouraging environment. For many, it was an exciting opportunity to share their music, and the atmosphere in the room reflected the strong sense of community among the performers. The students clearly enjoyed the experience, with several pushing past their stage jitters and stepping up to perform with growing confidence. The mutual support and encouragement between students made the event especially positive, and it was great to see how much everyone gained from taking part.
Putting Up the Christmas Tree For the first SupaJam Wandsworth Christmas, students got into the festive spirit by helping to decorate the communal spaces with Christmas decorations. They enjoyed the hands-on experience, working together to create a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Their efforts brought a real sense of holiday magic to the space, making it feel welcoming and festive for everyone at SupaJam.
Upcoming dates 6th January - Students return! 22nd January - Wandsworth Open Evening 23rd January - Swanley Open Evening 26th January - Brighton Open Evening 27th January - Canterbury Open Evening Open Evenings Do you know someone who might be interested in SupaJam as the next step of their educational journey? Encourage them to sign up to our next Open Evenings in January !
supajam_education
semmukonline supajameducation407 supajam-education-inmusic-and-media