Lead Schools

Lead Schools

Lead Schools work in partnership with The Octagon Music Hub to support and strengthen music education across Dorset and Somerset. They act as local champions for music, helping schools connect, share good practice and develop strong, inclusive music provision.

Lead Schools are schools with a clear commitment to high-quality music education. They model good practice in their own settings and use their experience to support other schools through mentoring, networking and collaboration.

Their role includes supporting schools with School Music Development Plans, hosting or leading meetings and training when needed, and sharing feedback with the Hub about what schools need. They also help promote musical opportunities across their local area and encourage schools to work together.

In return, Lead Schools are recognised for their music provision and are supported by the Hub to carry out the role. This includes remuneration for agreed training or meetings, opportunities to represent schools and the Hub at events, and access to Hub-led CPD and networks.

Lead Schools are appointed for a fixed period, and the role belongs to the school rather than an individual. Together, the Lead Schools network helps build stronger relationships between schools and supports high-quality, inclusive music education for all children and young people.