Over the last decade, music education in England has seen significant shifts, both in the curriculum and in teacher training, responding to changes in government policy, the introduction of new standards, and a strong demand for accessible, high-quality music instruction in schools. Sing Education, which launched in 2014 with a mission to bring structured, joyful music experiences to schools, has grown alongside these industry-wide developments. Today, Sing Education offers a curriculum and teacher training that align fully with the latest national frameworks, setting a high standard in music education.
In 2014, Sing Education was established with a robust Kodaly inspired curriculum and training program that equipped musicians to teach music in primary schools. At the time, the national curriculum had just made music a compulsory subject for Key Stages 1-3, but schools were given little specific guidance on implementation. Many educators found themselves balancing curriculum requirements with limited resources and training, leading to varied music education experiences for students across the country
GOV.UK Bristol Education School
Responding to this gap, Sing Education developed a clear, structured music curriculum that was accessible for teachers and engaging for students. The program emphasised foundational skills in singing, rhythm, and listening, and created a progression of learning across school years. This early model set Sing Education apart by combining curriculum support with hands-on teacher training, helping schools provide a consistent music experience at a time when the sector was still adapting to new national standards.
In 2021, the Model Music Curriculum (MMC) was released, offering a more prescriptive, age-appropriate framework for music education in England. Developed in consultation with educators and musicians, the MMC established clear learning goals and suggested repertoire, providing much-needed support for schools aiming to deliver a high-quality music curriculum. This shift marked a turning point, giving teachers across England a concrete guide to help students build musical skills progressively from Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 3
Sing Education quickly took action to align its programs with the MMC, refreshing its curriculum in 2022 to match the framework’s guidance for Key Stages 1 and 2, while also integrating elements from Development Matters for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). By the time the refreshed curriculum launched in September 2023, it was fully aligned with the national standards, reinforcing Sing Education’s commitment to providing up-to-date, cohesive music education. This alignment also made it easier for classroom teachers to deliver music lessons with confidence, knowing they had the support of a curriculum designed with national consistency in mind.
Sing Education has always prioritised teacher support, knowing that great music education begins with well-prepared, confident educators. But in recent years, the need for targeted training in music pedagogy has become more pronounced, especially for primary school teachers who may not have specialist training in music. The “State of the Nation” report and Ofsted’s “Striking the Right Note” both point out that music education quality often depends on teachers having sufficient subject knowledge and professional development opportunities—an area that has been challenging for schools to address
Bristol Education School Independent Society of Musicians
In 2024, Sing Education continues to meet this need through an expanded training program, now offering regular in-person training days and a suite of online training modules designed for flexible, ongoing development. This approach enables both music specialists and general classroom teachers to deepen their skills in teaching music, whether they’re seasoned instructors or just beginning to bring music into their classrooms.
Sing Education is taking its curriculum expertise even further with a new product currently in development, aimed at classroom teachers. This initiative will make Sing Education’s curriculum and training resources even more accessible, empowering schools to integrate high-quality music education across all classes. With this new offering, schools can ensure that music is a core part of the school culture, supported by educators who have the tools they need to inspire young musicians.
The journey of music education from 2014 to 2024 tells a story of resilience and progress, where curriculum standards and teacher training have adapted to meet the needs of the times. Through these years, Sing Education has grown alongside national initiatives like the MMC and the National Plan for Music Education, helping schools bring the joy and discipline of music to every child. As we look to the future, Sing Education is proud to continue supporting educators and students with the tools and resources that keep the music playing.
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Founded in 2014 and serving more than 16,000 children each week, Sing Education is a first class provider of primary school music education. Focusing on high-quality, singing-led tuition, we deliver a complete solution for schools which includes teacher recruitment, training and management, bespoke curricular resources and educational consultancy services.
Through music lessons, singing assemblies, choirs, after school clubs and instrumental tuition, Sing Education works with students from Nursery right through to Year 6. Our core philosophy is that “Every Child Has A Voice,” and, as educators active in the classroom, our directors and teachers know firsthand how much young learners benefit from exciting, rewarding music education.
Sing Education currently partners with schools throughout Greater London and Kent, as well as Yorkshire and the Humber.
Not yet on the list? Please enquire about our expansion plans for additional areas we will serve during the 2023-24 academic year.
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