A SONGWRITING school with strong links to the Forest of Dean has released a new Greatest Hits album featuring music written and performed entirely by primary school children.

SMASH HIT Songwriting School has released its latest collection, bringing together original songs created by youngsters aged between four and 11 during the 2025/26 academic year.

The Gloucestershire-founded programme teaches children to play instruments while also giving them the opportunity to write, arrange, perform and record their own songs.

SMASH HIT has previously worked with young musicians in the Forest, with more than 70 pupils from Primrose Hill and St John's primary schools taking part in a major songwriting project earlier this year.

Their contributions formed part of Hello Spring (It's Time to Come Alive), which was released on major streaming platforms earlier this year.

Now SMASH HIT has marked the end of the summer holidays by releasing its Greatest Hits collection from September 2025 to July 2026.

Every track on the album was written, arranged and performed by primary-aged children, meaning the youngsters involved can call themselves professionally published musicians.

The songwriting school was founded by Gloucester-based musician Oscar Wenman-Hyde, who set up the company in an effort to offer a more contemporary approach to music education.

Rather than concentrating solely on learning existing pieces, its sessions encourage children to form bands, collaborate on ideas and take their own songs through the writing and recording process.

The lead single from the new album is On This Rollercoaster, created by Year Five band The Slush Snoops.

Oscar said: “On This Rollercoaster is the perfect pop song. It has the catchy hook, enticing lyrics and a euphoric energy which can only be captured by pure creative expression.

“It is a testament to collaboration and the power of young minds.”

The release will also support a cause with a personal connection to the school's founder.

Proceeds from the album will be donated to Erb's Palsy Group UK, which supports people and families affected by the condition.

Oscar was born with Erb's palsy affecting his right arm and needed additional support as a child to enable him to play guitar.

SMASH HIT said its support for the charity would help other youngsters with the condition receive the assistance they need, regardless of their interests or ambitions.

The programme now operates in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and further afield and is looking to expand into more schools during the new academic year.

Schools interested in joining are being offered a free introductory assembly to give pupils and teachers an opportunity to experience the programme.

SMASH HIT says its approach is intended not only to develop musical ability but also to build children's confidence, self-esteem and ability to collaborate independently.