Making music part of the ethos of Simon Balle All-through School

Simon Balle All-through School has a primary phase from reception to Year 4 and a full secondary phase. We have 1420 on role and our music team consists of two full-time staff for curriculum, as well as 16 instrumental teachers; each of varying hours, who are employed by the school and the local music service and deliver 350 lessons per week. We have a music administrator, music assistant and a part-time musician in residence. Currently 30 per cent of pupils have instrumental or singing lessons. A similar number are in an ensemble or choir.  We describe ourselves as a musical school and are passionate about music. Over the 20 years I have been at Simon Balle, we have built up music from a traditionally ‘niche’ subject into a popular thriving department.  Building up music has taken blood, sweat and tears and I must stress that what works, works for us in our situation but I believe that there are many lessons that can be applied elsewhere. I firmly believe in the musical py