We are  home to bands, orchestras and vocalists who often perform at public events around the borough and have a reputation for providing excellent teaching.

“This is an initiative undertaken under the National Plan for Music Education, where a handful of schools work with their local Music Hub to support other schools in key areas of provision, to ensure high-quality music education provision across the region through effective collaboration,” explained Robin Norman, Director of Music at the school.

“There was an application process in which we had to detail our music provision in school, both in classroom lessons and curriculum, and extra-curricular. This was alongside the other activities we undertake. In addition, we were asked about what we felt we could offer to other schools, not just within Norfolk and Suffolk, but also on a national scale,” he added.

Mr Norman said the support of the entire music department team, along with Andrew Johnson, Executive Headteacher, Roger Livesey, Chair of Governors, and all the other Senior Leadership Team members, had been crucial. 

“It will mean attending regional meetings, occasionally visiting other schools, and also allowing other schools to visit us.”

Springwood, a member of West Norfolk Academies Trust, has close musical links with other schools in the area, including fellow Trust members Marshland High School in West Walton, St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement, and Smithdon High School in Hunstanton.

“We work very closely with our other three secondary schools,” continued Mr Norman. “However, we have also already been working with local primary schools through our Musical Instrument Teaching Initiative (MITI) to get children learning instruments, and also organising Music Professional Training Days, open to teachers from across Norfolk and Suffolk. 

“This is in addition to speaking with local community groups to try to improve the offering and opportunities around West Norfolk for everyone. Our view is that if we work together, then the benefits for all are multiplied.” 

Our school also stages regular music events across the year, from musicals, concerts, and recitals, to the annual, four-day Community Music Festival in July. The new status will enable us to develop and further extend the scope of its music offerings.

“As outlined in the National Plan for Music Education, Lead Schools for Music are schools that go above and beyond in their music education offer. They exemplify best practice and play a key leadership role in helping other schools improve and innovate in music education,” says the Music Hub statement.

“We will be working closely with other schools, the Norfolk and Suffolk Music Hub, and other professional organisations,” added Mr Norman. 

“These collaborations will bring a number of opportunities and new ideas to the school – ones that will benefit our students in terms of curriculum offering and extra-curricular opportunities.

“It cannot be denied that this is a lovely accolade for Springwood and our Trust. However, our hopes are that we will be able to benefit other schools and organisations by collaborating and working with them on music education over the coming months and years."