Lead Schools

Lead Schools Programme

The School Engagement Strategy is supported by the Lead School Programme that was launched in May 2025 as a new network of 18 schools from across all 5 local authority areas made up primary, secondary, post 16 and SEND/Alternative provision. The core purpose of a Lead School, as set out in the NPME, is to champion music education, developing and nurturing local school relationships and networks as part of and on behalf of the Hub. Lead Schools are expected to supplement, not replace, the role of the Hub.  

Lead Schools should act as an ambassador for music education, and model behaviour and practice expected from schools in relation to music. Lead Schools are a key partner within the Hub and help with engaging schools within the Hub area, demonstrating and advocating for the vital role schools will play in ensuring the success of the NPME. 

The role and purpose of these is to:

• Be a champion for music education and an open door to other schools and settings across the region  
• Help all schools in the LA area to improve the quality of music (curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular) and be a champion for Music Education  
• Facilitate new and better ways for teachers to support each other and work together   
• Help the WYMH Advisory Group to understand what schools need and how to work better with them to improve musical outcomes for children and young people  
• Support the WYMH Advisory Group to understand what musical opportunities young people want and need and be a 2-way conduit for the voice of young people   
• Be an additional beacon for an area that they believe to be strong e.g. Music Technology, Vocal Work, GCSE, Musical Futures, Extra-Curricular, Assessment & Recording etc.  

The Lead School Network is currently shaping their offer of support for West Yorkshire which will commence from September 2025. We will update details on this page as the programme develops.

Lead Schools from Summer 2025:

• Burley Oaks Primary School
• Cliffe Hill Community Primary School
• Dixons City Academy
• Grove Lea Primary School
• Halfpenny Lane Primary School
• Heckmondwike Grammar School
• Highbury Specialist School (SEND)
• Immanuel College
• Kettlethorpe High School
• Kingsland School (SEND)
• North Halifax Grammar School
• Oastlers School (SEND)
• Old Town Primary School
• Riddlesden St Marys CE Primary School
• Roundhay School
• Shelly College
• Thornhill Junior and Infant School
• Westerton Primary Academy

Find out more about our Schools Engagement Strategy here.