Flagship Schools
School is where we build our relationship with music
Around 95% of the UK’s children go to state primaries, which means that getting music right benefits almost every child, but integrating music into a school’s ethos can seem difficult to do. We want to challenge the preconception that music is an add-on or ‘nice to have.’ Our data consistently shows us that music not only elicits happiness but increases concentration and improves a child’s ability to work as part of a team, with heightened levels of focus in academic subjects. Working directly in school communities is the best way we know to develop learning that can be taken out to training more teachers and reaching more schools. Our multi-award-winning Flagship Schools Programme works with five London state primary schools, embedding sustained, high-quality music education into school life. Children learn instruments; sing, compose and improvise; listen to music from different periods and traditions; rehearse in ensembles; and perform for their communities. They learn that they have the right not only to listen, but to interpret, create and perform. For some, this leads to conservatoire, orchestras, contemporary performance or teaching; for many more, it becomes a lasting source of pleasure, confidence and belonging.
Working with our award-winning teaching teams, children show elevated self -esteem, better recall and listening skills – they are happier.
Pathways
Intensive support for pupils who show real promise, and a route into further musical study.
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Champions
Our Champions and Graduate Ambassadors keep making music long after they leave us.
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Free music, tips and scores
Resources for teachers and families — scores, guidance and films, free to use.
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How we work
Instrumental Learning
Violin or cello begins in Year 1 – with every student benefitting from small and large group tuition – and continues for many students in Key Stage 2, often with financial support from our sponsors and charitable partners. Ensembles and orchestras further enhance the children’s instrumental learning, allowing them to gain essential listening and musical communication skills through the joy of group music-making.
Partner Schools and their students also benefit from participation in a wide range of projects and performances, including opportunities to take the stage at major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall and BFI London.
Musicianship
Musicianship provides the bedrock of our programme and is firmly embedded in the curriculum. Every child begins their music journey in school through group activity, with a focus on singing, percussion, movement and play, supporting them to internalise core musical concepts and skills through fun, interactive sessions.
Modelling
Our Schools Programme acts as our learning and development ‘hub’, ensuring that we are demonstrating and advocating for the most relevant, inclusive, innovative and child-centred model of music education possible. Through the programme we closely partner with five Flagship Schools – state primary schools in disadvantaged areas of London including Lambeth, Westminster and Islington who understand the value of music in their curriculum, and they are committed to providing their students with a deep and rich musical experience.
Serving some of London’s most culturally, socially and ethnically diverse communities, these schools have placed music at their heart to develop creativity, raise aspiration and achievement, and to transform relationships with families and the wider community..