Lead schools announced to promote benefits of learning music to Birmingham children
Ten Birmingham schools have been announced as lead schools for music to further improve the benefits of learning and playing music for young people in Birmingham.
Each of the schools will support other schools across the city to develop their music curriculum and wider music offer.
The announcement follows the appointment of Services For Education as a Music Hub Lead organisation for Birmingham in September 2024.
The charity is also part of the National Plan for Music to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people through investment in musical activities, equipment and teacher training.
The appointment of the ten schools reflects each school’s exceptional track record in music education, strong leadership, and commitment to ensuring access to high-quality and inclusive music education for all students both in terms of their curriculum and co-curricular offer.
It also marks a significant step forward in delivering high-quality music education for young people across the city.
The selected schools include primary, secondary and special and follow a detailed application and assessment process.
Richard Mabbott, head of music service at Services For Education, said: "Lead Schools will work collaboratively with us and our partners delivering a broad range of professional learning to support schools across the city.
“This includes teacher training, school-to-school support and wider music engagement initiatives.
“We are delighted to be working with such passionate and experienced schools. Their leadership will help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can discover and nurture their musical talent and have access to high-quality music education.
“These appointments represent a powerful investment in the future of music education in our city.”
The ten schools include:
Primary:
• Ladypool Primary School
• Mere Green Primary School
• St. Benedict’s School
• St. Laurence Church Junior School
Secondary:
• Lordswood Boys’ School
• Nishkam High School
• Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
• Queensbridge School
Special Schools / Alternative Provision:
• Victoria School
• Brays School
Marie Lowndes-Ford, director of music at Lordswood Boys' School said they were proud to have been selected as a Lead School of Music.
Marie said: “This status will enable us to share our expertise more widely, support other schools, and expand life-changing opportunities for our students.
“More than 65 per cent of our pupils participate in music through curriculum lessons, instrumental tuition, ensembles, clubs and our Elite Music Academy.
“With a healthy number of students taking GCSE Music and the introduction of the Arts Award, music is thriving.
“As a school with a well above average proportion of pupil premium students, this recognition brings even more chances for students to perform and shine — both in and beyond the classroom.
“As a Lead School, we will be able to help and support teachers deliver high-quality music and strengthen Birmingham’s music education network.
“We will also collaborate with other Lead Schools across Birmingham, launching a jointly organised continuing professional development (CPD) programme which will be made available to all schools across the region.
“This is a very exciting time for the development of music education across Birmingham and will ensure that strong partnerships across schools, the music hub and other music organisations are fostered well over time.”
