Lead Schools for Music are schools that work closely with the Music Hub to champion and strengthen music education across our area. By partnering with the Music Hub, Lead Schools help contribute to strategic planning, shaping and delivering inspiring musical opportunities. They share best practice, and support the development of strong, sustainable music provision in their local networks.
They also act as centres of excellence, sharing strong practice, supporting colleagues, and helping to shape high‑quality and inclusive music opportunities for all pupils.
BLMK has lead schools in each area -they provide a point of connection, collaboration, and professional growth, creating a supportive network where ideas, resources, and expertise can be shared to enrich classroom music and inspire young people through powerful musical experiences.
If you are a music teacher Lead Schools are offering a wide range of opportunities for peer support. Please take a look at the information below which outlines the support available.
They can also signpost you to other schools offering excellent provision in specific areas of music delivery.
If you would like to visit a school or request a conversation with one of the Lead schools please contact the school directly
For any other support please contact the Music Service Lead for your area who can help with your query
Milton Keynes – Sue Wakley
Sue.Wakley@Milton-keynes.gov.uk
Central Beds – Charlotte Payne
charlotte.payne@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Luton – Julia Fraser
julia.fraser@luton.gov.uk
Bedford Borough – Tamsin Lodder
tamsin.lodder@bedford.gov.uk
BLMK Music Hub – Lead Schools
MEET THE LEAD SCHOOLS IN MILTON KEYNES:
Great Linford Primary School
Karen Creed – Music Subject Leader
My name is Karen, I have always enjoyed singing as a part of a choir and I also play in a flute quartet outside of teaching. I have always had a passion for music and sharing that in an accessible way with both colleagues and pupils.
Our school is a two-form entry school. We currently use the KAPOW scheme as our baseline but supplement lessons through use of Kodaly methods and Musical Futures. In Year Three we offer whole class recorder teaching for a whole term.
I am the music teacher from Y1-Y6; our Bluebells SEN unit and EYFS teach their own music curriculum alongside KAPOW and tailoring to children’s musical experiences. I teach music in the children’s home classrooms, bringing music to them in their regular setting.
The Premier Academy
Jonathan Harris – Head of Academy Music
Jonathan Harris has been Head of Academy Music at The Premier Academy in Bletchley, Milton Keynes for 12 years. The Premier Academy is an Ofsted Outstanding school and achieved Platinum Artsmark in 2024. It holds the British Council’s International Schools Award and in recognition of its services to cultural education in Buckinghamshire, representatives from the Academy attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2025.
Every child at the Academy has a one-hour weekly specialist music lesson and as part of the curriculum is taught the basics of a new instrument each year. This approach supports an uptake of over 40% of children at the Academy being signed up for instrument lessons with teachers from the MK Music Co-op. Alongside this dedication to instruments, runs a broad range of additional music related experiences from appearing on our grand stage, to concerts and performances in the local community to participation in Young Voices festival at the O2 Arena and appearances on the BBC. A highlight of every year is The Premier Academy’s involvement in the Global Science Opera initiative, as the UK’s representative; this event involves working collaboratively with schools around the world to create an annual opera on a science and sustainability theme, leading to additional opportunities to collaborate.
E-Act Ousedale School
Mark Couldrick – Head of Performing Arts
Information to follow …
Get in touch
Milton Keynes Music Service
Community Learning MK
Contact us by Email: music@milton-keynes.gov.uk