What are Lead Schools for Music?
Lead Schools for Music are part of the national strategy outlined in the National Plan for Music Education (DfE, 2022). The plan recommends that Music Hubs identify and support strong music departments in schools to act as Lead Schools, offering peer-to-peer support, sharing of effective practice, and helping to strengthen music provision across the local area. These schools act as centres of excellence for music education, providing a link between classroom teaching, leadership, and hub-led activity.
“We are delighted to have been accepted as a Lead School for music! Building a vibrant music department at Forest Fields to reflect our diverse, talented and culturally-rich community has brought immense joy – we cannot wait to share what we have learned, our successes, and our approach with other schools across the city.”
Shahida Chowdhury, Head Teacher Forest Fields Primary & Nursery School.
What’s the Remit?
The role of a Lead School for Music includes:
- Championing high-quality, inclusive music education within and beyond their own setting
- Offering support to other schools through mentoring, advice, and peer-to-peer collaboration
- Hosting visits and open classrooms to share approaches to curriculum and pedagogy
- Contributing to the design and delivery of CPD in partnership with Nottingham Music Service and the Nottingham Schools Trust
- Supporting music leads via email, meetings, and school-to-school visits
Our Lead Schools actively contribute to the wider vision for music in Nottingham, helping to build a strong and supportive network of music educators across the city.
Who are Nottingham City’s Lead Schools for Music?
We are proud to work with the following Lead Schools:
- Forest Fields Primary and Nursery School
- Greenfields Community School
- The Nottingham Emmanuel School
- The Trinity Catholic School
These schools have been selected for their strong commitment to music, inclusive ethos, and willingness to support others.
What Do the Lead Schools Offer?
Our Lead Schools support the music education community by offering:
- Curriculum CPD through workshops and presentations at city-wide events, including the termly NST Music Network meetings
- Open Classrooms Project: an opportunity to observe live music teaching and discuss planning and progression with experienced colleagues
- Curriculum Support: advice and guidance via email or arranged school visits for music leads or SLT
- Collaborative Projects: some Lead Schools work on joint initiatives and performances that promote cross-school learning and participation
To arrange a visit, ask a question, or learn more about the Lead Schools programme, please contact: claire.nichols@nottinghammusichub.org.uk