Lead School Information
The National Plan for Music Education outlines the need for Hub Lead Organisations (HLO’s) to appoint Lead Schools for Music within each Music Hub. HLO’s are expected to appoint schools from the Primary, Secondary and a SEND/Alternative provision settings.
What is a Lead School?
A Lead School will exemplify what excellent music provision looks and sounds like. They will demonstrate a clear commitment to Music through the school ethos and the inclusion of Music as a key facet of a broad and balanced curriculum.
There will be a rich musical culture linked to both the additional musical opportunities provided in school, but also the links to the wider community, other educational establishments and the use of Music to help develop balanced and well rounded citizens of the future.
What will the Lead School role entail?
Lead Schools will work alongside the HLO to promote, embed and develop the development of Music across the City. Specifically, Lead School will be a beacon of Musical Excellence and be a role model in curriculum, co-curricular opportunities and ethos. Lead Schools will also work alongside the HLO to provide high quality CPD to other professionals across the city to raise the standards of musical provision.
As the designation of Lead School is a new one, this is also a huge opportunity to work alongside other Lead Schools and the HLO to shape how this role can develop. The HLO is keen to work collaboratively with the appointed Lead Schools to create an effective, flexible and sustainable model for the future.
Lead Schools would work alongside the HLO to:
- Work collaboratively with other Lead Schools and the HLO to deliver a Music Workforce Development Plan
- Work with the HLO to plan and deliver high quality CPD opportunities for schools based in the HLO area
- Be a beacon for best practice in the HLO area and share this best practice with others
- Work with the HLO to develop a bank of resources that support the musical development of other professionals in the city.
Lead Schools will initially be appointed from the 1st April 2025 until the 31st August 2026, with a review by 31st January 2026 to ensure both the HLO and Lead Schools remain strategically aligned. As part of the appointment process, a Partnership Agreement will be signed between the HLO and each Lead School to define the responsibilities of both the HLO and Lead Schools. However, as this is a new role, these agreements will only be drawn up after discussions with the schools to ensure all parties are treated equitably.
What are the benefits of becoming a Lead School?
- Recognition as a Leading deliverer of Music Education in the city
- The Opportunity to shape the Musical Landscape for all young people in Birmingham
- CPD and Development Opportunities for Music subject leaders within Lead Schools
Funding Information
There is no direct renumeration that comes as part of being appointed as a Lead School. However, when drawing up the Partnership Agreement, we will discuss with Lead Schools potential financial support with cover/release costs if staff are released as part of hub led CPD.
The Appointment Process
The HLO are keen to work collaboratively with schools who are interested in becoming a Lead School. A projected timeline is outlined below.
- Informal Discussions with Interested Parties From January 1st 2025
- Formal launch of Lead School Application Process W/C 24th February 2025
- Application Meetings between HLO and Schools From 3rd March 2025
- Final Deadline for Formal Applications 21st March 2025
- Application Notifications/Process completed and Partnership Agreements established. Completed by 1st April 2025
- Lead School Planning and Development Time May/June 2025
- Lead School Partnership formally begins 1st September 2025
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Mabbott, Head of Music Service, either by email ([email protected]), or via our office on 0121 366 9950.