The orchestra began developing its education and community work in 1991 and has established a broad programme of innovative music-based projects in the UK and abroad.

Through collaboration, participation and performance, the Academy’s Education and Community Programme aims to forge strong links with the communities it serves.

The Academy explores a wide range of approaches to education/outreach work including composition projects, pre-concert events, cross-art form collaborations, coaching and master classes. Each project is individually tailored, providing people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to develop their performance and creative skills alongside many of the country's finest musicians and leading composers/animateurs.

The Orchestra is currently developing an intensive programme, Creative Empowerment for the Homeless, with the Social Care Unit of St Martin in the Fields Church. Future plans include an innovative arts-based training scheme to be run in partnership with businesses and work in association with the Orchestra's concert season.