University News Last updated 23 May
RBC’s Primary School of Music at St Benedict’s Primary School has been appointed as one of four new Lead Schools for Music in Birmingham.
Selected by Services for Education, the Birmingham Music Education Hub lead organisation, these appointments mark a significant step forward in the delivery of high-quality music education for young people across the city.
As a Lead School, St Benedict’s Primary School in Small Health will work collaboratively with Birmingham Music Education Hub partners to co-ordinate and deliver a broad range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and professional learning to support schools across the city.
This will include teacher training, school-to-school support and wider music engagement initiatives.
RBC’s Primary School of Music is a ground-breaking partnership with St Benedict’s that aims to teach primary school pupils how to read and write music within six months. Launched in 2024, the initiative is benefitting around 350 children at the school and their families. The aim of the programme is to find a sustainable model for primary music education that can be replicated in any primary school across the UK.
Head Teacher at St Benedict’s Primary School Emma Nott commented: “We are hugely honoured that our school has been selected as a beacon of good practice in music education. Our school's partnership with the Conservatoire together with our other partnerships with key musical organisations, including the Birmingham Music Hub, means we have developed a music curriculum that now serves as a model for others.”
Head of Learning and Participation Associate Professor Richard Shrewsbury said:
“It’s such a great achievement for the first RBC Primary School of Music at St Benedict’s to be chosen as a lead school for music in the city. It is a testament to the commitment of school staff, governors and the senior management team and their passion for providing a holistic education for all children in the local area. We are thrilled to be working alongside the school to provide a range of CPD opportunities for school teachers based on our Kodály Inspired curriculum, proving that music education in primary schools can be made sustainable by giving teachers the pedagogical tools to deliver music with their classes regularly throughout the week.”
Head of Music Service at Services for Education, Hub Lead Organisation for Birmingham Richard Mabbott added: “We are delighted to be working with such passionate and experienced schools. Their leadership will help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to discover and nurture their musical talent and have access to high-quality music education. These appointments represent a powerful investment in the future of music education.”
The newly-appointed Lead Schools will begin their roles from Summer 2025, with work already underway to deliver a comprehensive programme of activity in the upcoming 2025/26 academic year.
Further information about the RBC Primary School of Music can be found on the RBC Learning and Participation website.