The South Coast Music Partnership (SCMP) is delighted to announce the appointment of new Lead Schools in each of its four component areas, Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP). Across England, the 43 music hubs nationally have been appointing lead schools, forming a new national network of music excellence in schools.  

The appointments follow a comprehensive application and school visit process, during which the SCMP Leadership Team was hugely inspired and impressed by the breadth, diversity, and quality of music-making as well as the enthusiasm from pupils and the support from staff and senior leaders.

We are thrilled to announce that Carisbrooke College has been appointed as lead school for the Isle of Wight, together with Lionheart School. Lead Schools will take an active role in mentoring and supporting schools, working together with the music hub to shape, support and strengthen a regional programme of high-quality music education.

The exceptional strength and commitment to music education evident throughout the region led to the decision to establish a wider Network of Excellence, which will bring together the appointed Lead Schools and other outstanding schools with particular specialisms, across the partnership.

During the appointment process, particular note was given to our strong student voice around music at Carisbrooke College and the links between music and student wellbeing. 

We are very proud of our creative community here at Carisbrooke and can’t wait to show this off at our Summer Creative Showcase next week: Wednesday 23 July, 7.00 pm at Carisbrooke Castle. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event where we will be showcasing the musical, theatrical and artistic talents of our students.