The refreshed National Plan for Music Education expects every school to offer high-quality, inclusive music for all pupils, as a core part of school life rather than an optional extra.
Schools are expected to publish a summary of their music development plan on their website, covering their curriculum, music beyond lessons and partnerships.
Since Ofsted dropped deep dives in November 2025, schools are telling us music is more likely to come up during learning walks and conversations with inspectors.
How ready is your school? Answer 45 short statements across 9 areas of school music. You will get a score out of 900, a Musical Mates award from Copper to Platinum, and a 3-step action plan.
It takes about 15 minutes. Answer honestly: the award is most useful when it shows where your school really is today.
From Musical Mates Ltd: Working with more than 70 schools across the North East since 2011.
Each statement has four answers:
Not yet: this is not happening yet.
Starting: we have made a start.
Developing: it happens, but not yet consistently.
Embedded: it is well established and happens consistently.
