Music in schools: sound partnerships 

Published on 5 October 2012, this Ofsted report highlights the benefits and pitfalls of partnership-working in music education. It is based on visits to 59 schools by specialist music inspectors between September 2011 and July 2012, together with six further visits to observe good practice.

Part A of the report identifies five key actions taken by schools that had developed effective music education partnerships. Part B draws on the good practice seen by linking to eight good practice case studies on Ofsted's website. These highlight how the best partnerships have improved provision for music in Primary and Secondary schools and a Special school. 

The report includes guidance to help schools improve their partnership-working in music education, including with the new music education hubs.

The report was commissioned by the Department for Education in November 2011 as part of the National Plan for Music Education.  

To read the report, click here. An accompanying case study booklet is available here.