Secondary Schools Newsletter

Schools Newsletter – January 2026

Fao: Headteacher and Music Lead Secondary and SEND

Dear Colleagues,

I hope that 2026 has started well for you and your school community.

You will hopefully already have seen in our January Newsletter there are many exciting musical opportunities available to young people and schools in West Sussex this term.

As always, we appreciate your support in sharing details of opportunities with your pupils and families.

If you would like further information or are looking for bespoke, in-school support or would like a visit to discuss developing music in your school please contact our schools’ team – we’d love to hear from you.

Opportunities for you…

Secondary Subject Network meeting – Monday 2 February 15:45 – 16:30 (online)

Many thanks to Susannah Mitchell of Davison High School for convening a regular curriculum meeting for secondary colleagues. Within this group, participants meet every few months to discuss subject specific issues, moderation, curriculum planning, resource sharing.

If you’d like to join the 2 February meeting, please contact s.mitchell@davison.w-sussex.sch.uk for a meeting link.

Singing CPD with the Royal Ballet and Opera (free) – Thu 5 March 09:00 – 15:00

Location: Felpham Community College, Felpham Way, Bognor Regis, P022 8EL

To find out more and to reserve your space follow this link Royal Ballet & Opera Sing CPD – Bognor Regis

Sussex Secondary Music Conference – Thursday 18 June SAVE THE DATE

Please save the date of Thursday 18 June for the annual Sussex Secondary Music Conference hosted by the University of Sussex at Falmer.

Opportunities for students…

Sings Live!

Our two Sings Live! whole-day massed singing workshops are on:

Wednesday 11 March 2026, 10.30am-4.30pm: Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, RH13 0LJ

and

Wednesday 18 March 2026, 11am-4.30pm: St Paul’s Church, Chichester, PO19 6FT

Each with a performance to parents / carers at 4pm.

Further details and sign up are available here: https://www.westsussexmusic.co.uk/sings-live

Orchestras Inc.

Orchestras Inc. is an inclusive, creative music group for children and young people under 25 with special educational needs or disabilities, and their parents or carers.

This term’s dates, venues and a welcome video, and how to book are here: https://www.westsussexmusic.co.uk/orchestras-inc/

James Underwood

CEO

West Sussex Music