Music Mark of Recognition 2025-26

About Music Mark 

Music Mark is a membership organisation, Subject Association and Arts Council England support organisation. It advocates for high quality, inclusive musical learning in and out of school.

From September 2025, Music Mark will introduce the ‘Music Mark of Recognition’, a new way to celebrate schools committed to providing excellent music opportunities for all pupils. This will replace the existing Music Mark Schools programme. 

Music Mark of Recognition 

The Music Mark of Recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate a clear commitment to providing high-quality music education for all students.

There are two certificates available:

The Music Mark of Recognition for Dedication & Improvement

The Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality

To receive the recognition, schools will be asked to agree to the Music Mark of Recognition pledges.

Schools will be asked to pledge:

·        We advocate for the importance of music education in the curriculum and creative life of our school

·        We provide an equitable, diverse and inclusive music education for every young person

·        We welcome opportunities to broaden our musical horizons by working with providers in our community and beyond

Benefits of having a Music Mark of Recognition

Schools awarded the Music Mark of Recognition will receive:

·        Full access to a large library of free content on the Music Mark website, including curriculum inspiration, summary documents, and support with advocating for the value of music education.

·        Access to a variety of free online training and events to inspire and aid professional development.

·        A certificate and logo to display on your school website, your newsletters and your school emails

·        A 50% discount on upgrading to a full Music Mark School membership

How to apply / register your school's interest

Inspire Music contracting schools:

All schools who contract in 2025-26 will be emailed w/c Monday 22nd September 2025 with the Nottinghamshire offer. If you / your school office do not receive an email, please contact us c/o nottsmusichub@inspireculture.org.uk.

Non-contracting schools:

To apply for a Music Mark of Recognition, please email us a copy of your school’s current 2025-26 School Music Development Plan to us, c/o nottsmusichub@inspireculture.org.uk. 

Inspire Music Nottinghamshire will review applications using the following criteria:

·        The school can demonstrate a clear commitment to improving music education, including a willingness to engage in development conversations

·        The school provides evidence that it recognises of the value of music education as part of a broad and balanced curriculum

·        The school can provide a current strategy for music that supports all pupils (it's current 2025-26 School Music Development Plan)

The Music Mark of Recognition will last for one academic year, with 2025-26 accounts expiring in August 2026.

To ensure schools get the most from their Music Mark access, applications will only be accepted during the first half of the Autumn term 2025-26. 

Deadline to accept our invitation or submit your 2025-26 School Music Development Plan is Friday 17 October 2025.

If you have any other questions regarding the scheme, please email the Inspire Music Nottinghamshire team c/o nottsmusichub@inspireculture.org.uk.