Schools Newsletter – June 2026
Fao: Music Lead and Music Teachers – Secondary and SEND
Dear Colleague
I hope that you managed to find time last week for a well-earned break.
You will have seen in our June Newsletter that West Sussex Music has a new Patron; the award-winning composer Rachel Portman OBE. Rachel has demonstrated that she is a keen supporter of our work in what promises to be an exciting partnership.
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 me
Opportunities for you…
CPD Online series:
- 9 June Building Partnerships: Broadening Provision through Community Music-Making and the Wider Sector | The Secondary Music Teaching Series 5pm – 6.30pm
- 25 June Ofsted Update on Music in Schools 4.30pm – 5.30pm
Sussex Secondary Music Conference – Thursday 18 June @ University of Sussex
There are still some spaces left at our forthcoming annual conference. Full details of speakers and workshops can be found here.
This free conference is a collaboration between the Sussex Music Hub (incorporating Create Music and West Sussex Music) and the University of Sussex and is for secondary music teachers at all stages of their careers working in schools across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, West Sussex, and University of Sussex partnership schools.
Book your place: Sussex Secondary Music Conference 2026 Tickets, Thursday, June 18 • 8:30 AM – 4 PM | Eventbrite
Time4Music SLA 2026-27
The Time4Music (T4M) service level agreement is a flexible approach to support and enrich your school’s music. See here for the range of ways we can work with you to support your curriculum, including bespoke CPD opportunities, weekly music activities and instrument loans.
If you would like to discuss how WSM can support your ambitions, please do contact me at james.underwood@westsussexmusic.co.uk
Opportunities for students…
Thank you for helping to publicise the following student opportunities. The text below can be pasted into your school comms and flyers are attached.
Orchestras Inc. Horsham
Following a hugely successful run of sessions earlier this term in Worthing, West Sussex Music’s inclusive SEND orchestra is back, with more free sessions at our Horsham Music Centre on Saturdays.
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. For more information, including dates, venues and a welcome video, and how to book, see here.
Youth Choir summer course
Come and join West Sussex Youth Choir’s summer course on 23 and 24 July for two days of inspirational singing workshops led by Mark Bradbury in the beautiful surroundings of Slindon College, culminating in a public concert at St Mary’s Church, Storrington. No experience is needed.
The course is open to anyone who loves singing aged 13–21 (school Yr9 upwards from Sept 2026) and will cost £85 – with free and subsidised places for families on low income. Book here.
Holiday Activities – 23 to 29 July
Covering Bognor Regis, Crawley and Worthing, we have a wide selection of exciting workshops lined up for young people aged 8-16 years including Rap & Music Production and Play In A Band
FREE places area available for those in receipt of free school meals and everyone gets a free meal at lunchtime. Book here.
James Underwood
CEO
West Sussex Music