--- title: "Tom A. Smith Inspires Pupils with Live Performances and Powerful Message" url: "https://st-bedes.org/news/2026-03-23-tom-a-smith-inspires-pupils-with-live-performances-and-powerful-message" school: "St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form" --- # Tom A. Smith Inspires Pupils with Live Performances and Powerful Message 23 March 2026 This week, our school was delighted to welcome Sunderland’s Tom A. Smith - acclaimed Sunderland singer, songwriter and producer - who performed for all year groups and spoke passionately about his journey in the music industry. Tom shared stories of how his career has grown from playing local gigs to performing on some of the world’s most exciting stages. Pupils were captivated as he described appearing at Glastonbury, the Leeds and Reading Festivals, and, most recently, SXSW in Texas just last week. He also spoke with pride about his upcoming appearance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, taking place soon at Herrington Park. Over the years, Tom has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Elton John, Sam Fender, The Courteeners, and The Charlatans. Despite such high‑profile collaborations, he remained incredibly grounded as he spoke to pupils about the importance of hard work, determination, and self‑belief. Throughout his performances, our pupils were exceptionally well‑behaved and clearly inspired. Tom’s advice centred on our school vision of discovering your gifts and talents, nurturing them, and having the courage to “set the world ablaze” with what you can achieve. He talked openly about the setbacks he has faced, the resilience required to overcome them, and the steps he took to plan and shape his career. We hope our pupils take inspiration from Tom’s story and continue to pursue their own ambitions with the same enthusiasm, creativity, and resilience he demonstrated. His visit was a powerful reminder that with talent, passion and perseverance, extraordinary things are possible. ![Singer Tom A. Smith performing in main hall to pupils](https://st-bedes.org/images/image.png) [Music](https://st-bedes.org/news/tag/music) [Enrichment](https://st-bedes.org/news/tag/enrichment) [Feast Day of the Anunciation / Stations of the Cross ](https://st-bedes.org/news/2026-03-25-feast-day-of-the-anunciation-stations-of-the-cross) ### About Us - [Headteacher's Welcome](https://st-bedes.org/about-us) - [Events](https://st-bedes.org/events) - [News](https://st-bedes.org/news) - [Our Community](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/our-community) - [Our Governing Body](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/our-governing-body) - [Our Mission & Values](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/our-mission-values) - [Our Prospectus](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/our-prospectus) - [Our Staff](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/our-staff) - [School Day](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/school-day) - [Vacancies](https://st-bedes.org/about-us/vacancies) ![St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form](https://files.schudio.com/st-bede-s-catholic-school-and-byron-sixth-form/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02(2).png) ### St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form Westway Peterlee SR8 1DE 0191 587 6220 ### Trust Information - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StBedesandByron/#) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://st-bedes.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)