The Dorset & Somerset Lead Schools Network
Lead Schools are local champions for music – schools that demonstrate excellence in their own music provision and are committed to strengthening music education right across Somerset and Dorset. Working alongside Octagon Music Hub, Music Services, cultural organisations and other schools, Lead Schools help translate national policy into local action supporting the ambitions of both the Department for Education’s National Plan for Music Education and the government’s Turn It Up: Our Plan for Music strategy (July 2026). Together, they’re building a self-improving, school-led music education system, where schools learn from one another, share expertise and work collaboratively so that every child and young person has access to a high-quality, inclusive and enriching music education.
Current Lead Schools
Dorset: Prince of Wales School (First), Ferndown Middle School, Gryphon School, Thomas Hardye School, Westfield Arts College (SEND), Coastland College (FE)
Somerset: Coombe St Nicholas C of E Primary, St Paul’s C of E Junior, West Pennard CE Primary, Holyrood Academy, Kingsmead School, The Castle School, Polden Bower School (SEND), Strode College (FE)
Interested in becoming a Lead School?
Get in touch at octagonmusic@somerset.gov.uk to find out more about the application process. CPD and resources
Lead Schools helped create seven CPD videos covering inclusive practice, engagement and wellbeing, whole-school musical culture, careers, Early Years, KS3 technology and partnership working.
Watch them on the CPD for Music Teachers page:
Lead School Network principles
Every Lead School commits to:
- Excellence: championing high-quality music education and inspiring excellence across the wider school community
- Collaboration: sharing expertise openly and working collectively to improve music education across Dorset and Somerset
- Inclusion: removing barriers to participation so every child and young person can engage with music, regardless of background or circumstance
- Innovation: testing new ideas, evaluating impact and sharing learning
- Partnership: recognising that improving music education is a shared responsibility across schools, Music Services, community organisations and the wider cultural sector
2026–27 priorities
- Model excellence in music education: sharing effective curriculum practice, supporting ambitious Music Development Plans and promoting high expectations for every learner
- Enrichment and musical culture: advocating for the value of musical enrichment and celebrating children’s musical achievements, in ways that reflect each school’s own context and capacity
- Inclusion and equity: championing inclusive practice and equitable access so children and young people from all backgrounds can engage, progress and thrive
- Progression and creative futures: helping children and young people recognise and develop their potential, and raising awareness of progression pathways
- School improvement and professional learning: sharing expertise, supporting professional learning, and identifying an area of recognised expertise each school can share through coaching, mentoring and peer support
What Lead Schools contribute
- One short case study each academic year, showcasing the school’s leadership in music education
- Up to three Lead School Network meetings each year, with at least one face-to-face
- Contributing to practical resources that help schools respond to national policy developments including the DfE’s enrichment framework and the ongoing curriculum review
- Coaching, mentoring and professional networking to support peer learning
- Hosting peer learning opportunities open classroom sessions, learning visits or bespoke support where there’s demand
- Feedback, examples of effective practice and local intelligence to help shape the Hub’s ongoing development
- Acting as advocates for music education locally, strengthening relationships between schools, Music Services and Hub partners
Capacity and opportunities vary between schools – the Hub works flexibly with each Lead School to agree the right level of engagement.
What Lead Schools receive
- Three network meetings a year
- Leadership CPD
- Policy briefings and an advocacy toolkit
- A Lead School Communications Pack for school websites
- Teacher release funding — up to three hours per term at £40/hour, subject to available funding, to support agreed Lead School activity (network meetings, coaching/mentoring, hosting peer visits, developing CPD and resources, and more)
- An annual £300 Music Service Credit, redeemable with Somerset Music or Dorset Music Service towards membership, resources, instrument hire, CPD or other agreed activity
- Opportunities to influence Hub strategy, network nationally, and pilot national initiatives
- Access to an online Lead Schools community
- Recognition in Hub communications