Berkshire Music Trust Lead Schools Coaching Programme 2025-26

As part of our commitment to working to support schools in delivering the National Plan for Music Education, we are offering a year long online coaching programme, completely FREE OF CHARGE!  Our programme will connect coaches from our lead schools with music teachers in schools across the county. 

Our Lead School music teachers attended a day of coaching training delivered by Seann Wilkinson, Director of Music and Specialist Leader of Education at Langley Grammar School, and Wendy Harvey, Senior Leader for Curriculum and Early Years at Berkshire Music Trust.   We all benefited hugely from the chance to hone our skills and to practise coaching conversations, with many ‘light bulb’ moments occurring throughout the day.     

Click here to apply!  

FAQs 

Who can participate in the coaching programme? 

The programme is open to anyone who is teaching or leading music in a state school in Berkshire.  It is suitable for primary, secondary, middle school, alternative provision and special school teachers, and for those with lots of experience, or none!   

How much time will I need to commit? 

Coaches and music teachers will meet once per half term for a total of five one hour on-line coaching sessions.  You will also need to commit to taking forward actions that you have identified and agreed within your coaching sessions, and to completing a short feedback and reflection survey after each session. 

What elements of my music teaching and leadership can you help me with? 

Our lead school coaches have a wealth of expertise and experience and can help you with any area of music within your school.  Here are some ideas, but they are by no means exhaustive!  You may well also find that after your first coaching session, you identify something to work on that you hadn’t yet thought of.

Culture and Context

• Creating a singing culture
• Using music to support school attendance, and as an intervention for EBSA
• Persuading parents of the value of instrumental learning
• Advocating for music with your Senior Leadership Team

Musical Learning 

• Improving the effectiveness of music teaching within your department  
• Identifying and removing barriers to musical learning for your students 
• Evaluating and developing your music curriculum 
• Developing your observation skills in music 

Pedagogical Learning 

• Developing your own practice in a specific area of music learning eg. conducting, music technology, GCSE composition, Kodaly, adapting music provision for SEND learners 
• Developing your leadership skills 

Outreach 

• Using music as a tool to support transition between schools 
• Developing opportunities for music making within and beyond your school community 

How will I be paired with a coach?

Once you have completed the application form to participate, we will look to match you with the coach who we feel is best suited to support you in your setting.  Feel free to take a look at our hub lead schools blog and request a specific coach in your application.  Whilst we cannot guarantee to meet a request, we will do our best!