Ten Birmingham schools named lead schools for music: Is yours?
Ten Birmingham schools have been announced as Lead Schools for Music to further improve the role and 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 in September 2024 of Services For Education as Music Hub Lead Organisation for Birmingham and is 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 (which includes additional activities and support) and marks a significant step forward in delivering high-quality music education for young people across the 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
Richard Mabbott, Head of Music Service at Services For Education, said the appointments reflect 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, additional activities, offer.
“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.”
Marie Lowndes-Ford, Director of Music at Lordswood Boys' School said they were proud to have been selected as a Lead School of Music.
“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% 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.”
Robyn Murphy, Music Lead at Victoria School, Northfield, said the school was delighted to take part in and lead professional development for music teachers to share how the school uses music to engage pupils, build relationships, and develop confidence.
“Our aim and vision as a special school is for music to be embedded throughout the school day, ensuring it is inclusive and accessible music opportunities are provided to all.
“We offer music lessons and music therapy especially to those children who will benefit in particular and music is experienced in extra curriculum through lunchtime clubs including percussion club, Ukulele and a ‘beat club’. We also have a signing choir for children who want to sing and sign to help build their personal skills of working in a group and gaining confidence.
“We also use outside agencies to help upskill teachers and deliver music to pupils through intensive interaction.”
The new initiative follows the start of the new school year with planning and partnership work delivering a comprehensive programme of activity in 2025 and 2026.