The Purcell School is Britain's oldest specialist school for talented young musicians. The school holds the UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal in recognition of its unique contribution to music, education and international culture. The school is funded largely by the Government's Music and Dance Scheme and exists to provide young musicians of exceptional promise and talent with the best possible teaching, in an environment in which they can flourish and develop their potential. It is a co-educational school and takes young musicians between the ages of nine and 18.