Enrichment is changing: what does it mean for schools?
A new national framework for enrichment is now in place, Ofsted has updated its inspection materials, and schools are being encouraged to look more closely at who takes part in enrichment – and who misses out.
For schools across Dorset and Somerset, there is a clear opportunity to think about where music sits within that picture, and how it can support a strong, inclusive enrichment offer. In June, the Department for Education published its new Enrichment Framework for Schools and Colleges. The non-statutory framework is designed to help schools and colleges plan, strengthen and review their enrichment provision.
It sets out eight benchmarks against which schools can evaluate their provision and identify areas for improvement. The DfE has also published a self-assessment tool and action-planning resources to help schools use them in practice.
Why does this matter now?
This isn’t simply a new document for schools to be aware of.
The Government has set an ambition to widen access to enrichment, particularly for children and young people who currently participate less. Its wider policy sets out a minimum core enrichment offer spanning arts and culture; civic engagement; nature, outdoor and adventure; sport and physical activity; and wider life skills.
That direction was reinforced this month with the announcement of a £22.5 million Enrichment Expansion Programme, providing tailored support to more than 400 secondary schools in disadvantaged communities. The examples given by government range from learning an instrument and music groups to sport, debating, volunteering and outdoor learning.
The DfE’s longer-term ambition is to halve the participation gap in enriching activities between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by 2035.
And Ofsted?
Ofsted published updated education inspection materials in June for use from September 2026. Ofsted explains that its inspection toolkits are grounded in statutory and non-statutory DfE guidance and that the September updates reflect changes to that guidance.
More specifically, the Government’s Every child achieving and thriving policy document states that Ofsted’s September 2026 toolkit update will take account of the new enrichment benchmarks, in a similar way to the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education.
That doesn’t make the enrichment framework statutory, and it doesn’t mean schools are being inspected against a new standalone enrichment judgement. But it does make the quality and inclusivity of a school’s enrichment offer increasingly relevant to the wider picture inspectors consider.
Music is explicitly part of the picture
For us, one of the most significant features of the framework is that arts and culture is one of its five core enrichment categories. The DfE explicitly includes opportunities to take part in and have live experiences of music, alongside art, dance, theatre, museums, galleries and other expressive arts.
This sits alongside music’s existing place within the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1, 2 and 3, where pupils should have opportunities to sing, play, compose, perform and listen to music.
So the question for schools isn’t simply: “Do we offer music?”
It is increasingly useful to ask: Who gets to take part? Who doesn’t? What difference does it make? And how do we know?
How can Octagon Music Hub help?
Octagon Music Hub supports schools and settings across Dorset and Somerset with curriculum music, instruments and equipment, CPD, SEND and inclusion, live music, ensembles, progression opportunities and partnerships with music organisations.
During 2026–27, funded opportunities include support for non-specialist staff, inclusive music-making, access to instruments and adapted instruments, Live Music Now activity and opportunities to learn from our network of Lead Schools.
For some activity we can also help with practical barriers such as teacher release and travel costs.
Start with Just One Thing
We don’t want to begin by assuming we know what every school needs. Instead, we’re asking schools across Dorset and Somerset one simple question: What’s the one thing that would make the biggest difference to music and enrichment in your school? It takes around 30 seconds to tell us. Your responses will help us shape the support, training and opportunities we bring to schools over the coming year.