What is a Music Development Plan (MDP)?
All schools should have a music development plan, as set out in The National Plan for Music Education.
Schools have been asked to publish a summary of their music development plan on their website before the start of the 2024 to 2025 academic year. Schools should then update the summary before the start of each new academic year.
Publishing a summary will help schools to:
• raise awareness of their music development plan
• promote the school music offer to parents and prospective parents
• give greater opportunity for schools and music hubs to work together
Download a template
Kent Music have produced a straight-forward template for you to evaluate your current provision (in a tick box format), write your vision for music and a summary of your key targets.
This template can be uploaded straight to your school website and is quick and easy to update on a yearly basis.
You can find a template tailored to your school type here:
CPD and Training
Kent Music will be running 2 CPD courses on writing your MDP in the 2024/25 academic year. Have a look at this and the CPD on offer this year.
MusicMark
There are many organisations out there who are ready to help schools advocate for high quality music making. Music Mark are the UK’s biggest association for music education, membership can be applied for through Kent Music. Find out more about that on our dedicated Music Mark page.
Music Mark have created some fantastic resources to support teachers and music leads to advocate for music making in their school. Their #10Things article series provides information on the benefits of music making including information on the important contribution music can make to school life.
Ofsted – Striking The Right Note: the music subject report
Model Music Curriculum
Released in September 2023 this subject report gives a realistic review of music in schools between December 2022 and June 2023. You can also read our blog on the Ofsted report here.
The Power of Music To Change Lives: A National Plan For Music Education
The new NPME was released in June 2022. It updates the expectations on Music Hubs and Schools in regard to music provision.
What Is The National Plan For Music Education?
Kent Music digests and demystifies the new NPME for you here.
10 Things Schools Should Know About Music
A handy document created by Music Mark outlining the important role music plays in school life.
Music: A Guide For Governing Boards
Information from Arts Council England that supports school governors to champion music!
Got another question?
If you are looking for help to improve music in the school, you can contact our School Support Team or your Area Manager who can help.