Appointing Lead Schools / Settings

Context and Appointment of Lead Schools

The National Plan for Music Education (NPME) emphasises the role of Hubs in supporting school music improvement, embedding stronger practice and supporting effective professional development for teachers. As part of this the Department for Education (DfE) would like Hubs “to support stronger links between local schools and academy trusts, and broker links for peer to peer learning”.

Lead schools are designed to drive this by working in partnership with the Consortium members, not only as customers of the Hub, but as co-creators and delivery partners for elements of the work. (Lead Schools for Music 2023, Arts Council England).

South Coast Music Partnership (SCMP) is the new Music Hub covering the following local authority areas:.  

  • Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP)

  • Portsmouth

  • Southampton

  • Isle of Wight

In accordance with the new DfE/ACE changes and the National Plan for Music Education (NPME), from April 2025 Lead Schools must be appointed in each Local Authority area. There will be one secondary, one primary and one SEND/AP setting in each Local Authority Area appointed. Collectively, across the 4 LAs SCMP will be able to create a strong network of Lead Schools to help steer and support a cohesive and connected music education provision.

SCMP will start the process of defining the roles and selecting Lead Schools/Settings during early January 2025. 

This page sets out the criteria, role, and process for the selection of the Lead Schools/Settings across SCMP. 

Proposed SCMP Lead Schools and Settings September 2025

In each LA-area

Minimum:

  • Primary 

  • Secondary

  • SEND/AP

Where possible / optional:

  • EYFS 

  • FE 

What is the expected commitment of the Lead Schools/Settings?

The chosen schools/settings:

  • will work with SCMP Extended Leadership Team to help curate/design/shape activity that will benefit fellow schools/settings

  • will attend termly planning meetings 

  • will attend school networks/CPD sessions/activities/events

  • will advocate and amplify the work of SCMP

  • will advocate for and work towards greater musical inclusion

What do the Lead Schools/Settings get in return?

  • Recognition as a Lead School/Setting with exemplary music education provision

  • An in-kind model of flexible/negotiated remuneration with additional partial-paid cover release as appropriate and based on need and available budget 

  • Where appropriate, one-off financial support for bespoke projects

  • Lead Schools/Settings may be invited to represent SCMP at local events, national events, conferences, or other activities

  • A memorandum of understanding will be prepared between the Lead School and SCMP.

Timeline for Primary and Secondary Lead Schools

  1. Launched to Schools/Settings in early January 2025

  2. Submit online application by 5pm 14 February 2025 

  3. Shortlisted schools and settings informed by 28 February 2025

  4. Shortlisted school visits and interviews by 4 April 2025

  5. Lead Schools/Settings informed and announced by 1 April 2025

  6. Contracting agreed and Lead Schools Initial meeting: week beginning 19 May 2025

  7. Further meet ups and activities to be agreed by 1 July 2025

Criteria for Appointing Lead Schools

The NPME sets out that Lead Schools/Settings should exemplify high-quality music provision and teaching, championing best practice in their area, showing commitment to a number of key aspects including curriculum delivery with significant timetable time, co-curricular opportunities and progression routes, inclusive provision and teacher development. 

SCMP Lead Schools/Settings Application

  • Please complete the application form that can be accessed HERE. If you would like to read the questions before completing the form then they can be accessed HERE. 

  • Please submit only one application per setting/school. Academies and schools within multi-academy trusts and federations will each be treated as separate schools/settings. 

  • SCMP recognises that all schools and settings have strengths and relative areas for development. In applying, please consider the areas which are exemplary (e.g. provision within EYFS and KS1; or inclusive provision within KS3). 

  • We strongly advise that the application is filled in by the Music Subject Leader, in collaboration with the leadership team and associated governor responsible for evaluating and monitoring the effectiveness of music provision. 

  • Please submit the online application form by 14 February 2025. 

Applicants will be visited by a member of the South Coast Music Partnership Leadership Team. Further details about this will be provided after your application has been received and may include:

  • Observation of a selection of teaching situations including assemblies, lessons and clubs

  • Discussions with staff and pupils

  • Discussions with parents

  • Discussion with the Head Teacher

  • Discussions with a governor and school leadership team

  • Discussions with subject leader

  • Scrutiny of further evidence which may include the Ofsted report, letters and feedback, media coverage and recordings and videos of student progress. 

  • Data on GCSE uptake and external exams (if applicable)

  • Data on FSM and number of FSM engaged in instrumental and vocal programmes and clubs

  • Data on SEND and numbers of SEND students engaged in instrumental and vocal programmes and clubs

Time Commitment

  • All meetings will be twilight unless stated otherwise

  • May 2025 -  initial meeting to codesign roles and responsibilities

  • Termly focus meetings

  • Individual meetings where appropriate

Terms and Conditions of the Lead School/Setting Status

  • Continue to exemplify excellence in music education beyond the acceptance to Lead School status. 

  • Continue to bring school-based expertise and experience of school-to-school support to wider SCMP discussions and strategies through attendance at board meetings and focus groups. 

  • A willingness to work with the local teaching school hub to continue to build best practice and support training needs.

  • Attend all lead school meetings

  • The status of LS will be:

  1. Initially for 2 years

  2. Reapplication after 2 years 

  3. Re-assessed if the Lead Person leaves the school or setting

  4. A memorandum of understanding will be prepared between the Lead School and SCMP