Schools in Nottingham are doing better in Music than others nationally.

New figures collected for the Department for Education music survey show that Nottingham is scoring well above the national average in many areas:

  • 19% of Nottingham pupils are learning an instrument, nationally that that is 15%
  • 51% of young people in Nottingham continue playing after their whole class ensemble experience, the national average is 32%
  • Nearly 30% of Nottingham children progress from being beginners to NQF level 1, against the national average of 20%

A record number of young people in Nottingham gained a national music grade or music medal through the Nottingham Music Hub in 2015 – up by more than 200% from 2013.

The survey found young people in city primary schools who work with Nottingham Music Hub are three times more likely to progress beyond beginner stage than those who don’t.

The Nottingham Music Hub, which is run by Nottingham Music Service, aims to give children of all backgrounds the chance to learn and they believe making music with others can bring out the best in a child and helping them to discover their talent.

Councillor Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for schools, said: “Congratulations to all schools in Nottingham for their work on musical education.

“Finding and encouraging talent is important to both the pupils and the schools. These results are proof that Nottingham is leading the way in music.”

Councillor David Mellen, Portfolio Holder for Early Intervention and Early Years, who also sits on the Board of Trustees at Nottingham Music Service, said: “Giving children and young people the chance to participate in musical learning, no matter what their background is extremely important.

“Learning a musical instrument is beneficial for a child’s growth and learning, it can teach them skills that will be used throughout their lives. By working together we can give children and young people across the City the chance to train, build confidence and improve their lives through music.”

Ian Burton, Chief Executive Officer of Nottingham Music Service, said: “These latest results are testament to the hard word of schools and the Nottingham Music Hub. Nottingham is building on an already strong reputation for music education.”

The Hub’s vision is that all children and young people in Nottingham have a rewarding and inspiring experience of making music with others, and our mission is to facilitate life enhancing and confidence-building experiences that equip children and young people with perseverance, self-belief and a life-long love of music.