Music Hub Investment Programme: FAQs

What is the Department for Education doing about encouraging schools to fulfil their responsibilities within the refreshed National Plan for Music Education, in addition to what’s expected of Music Hubs? 

Updated 13 February 2024 

We must acknowledge that some schools are going to take longer than others to get there. And at the first monitoring board meeting in October 2023, we discussed the level of awareness planning and actions taken by schools, and DfE published school leader survey results in July 2023 on how far we are in terms of getting a baseline on where schools are in their planning. They’ve had a head start to an extent, in as much as we published the model music curriculum back in March 2021, and that I think the planning around that has allowed schools to be further on with that than they are with commitments in the National Plan.   

The sample panel survey of school leaders undertaken in March 2023 showed that slight under half of schools already had a Music Development Plan in place, and of these – the vast majority – 9 in 10 school leaders - intended to review it for this current academic year. Of those without a plan, nearly half reported intending to put one in place for this current academic year. The DfE also reported that around 59% of primary schools and 43% of secondary schools were implementing some or all of the Model Music Curriculum.

We’ll continue to share information through our various networks, to ensure schools understand the importance of the Plan and their roles and their responsibilities with regard to teaching music. And Arts Council England are going to provide updates to all existing Music Education Hubs and through the investment program on what’s being communicated to schools as we go forward.  

What does the NPME say? 

Updated 14 June 2023

The power of music to change lives: a National Plan for Music Education (2022) sets out the government’s vision for music education until 2030. It prioritises inclusion and supporting equitable progression. There is also an increased focus on the role of schools in the musical education of children and young people, and a commitment to supporting musical opportunities for children in their early years and pathways into the industry. 

The NPME also announced significant new investment of £25 million into musical instruments, including adaptive instruments for disabled young people or those with additional needs. This is known as the ‘capital grant for musical instruments’.

How much funding is available from the Department for Education (DfE) for the different programmes referenced in the Plan?   

Updated 14 June 2023

The DfE has previously committed to investing around £115 million per annum in music and cultural education over the next two years, over and above schools’ core budgets. This includes £76 million per year to Music Hubs, and around £31 million per year for the Music and Dance Scheme.    

DfE will provide additional funding to the National Music Hub Centres of Excellence and for the Music Progression Fund announced in the NPME.    

In addition to this, alongside publication of the Plan, the DfE has announced a new investment of £25 million capital funding which will enable the purchase of musical instruments, including adaptive instruments where needed for disabled young people or those with additional needs. This funding will increase the existing stock available to all children and young people. 

How will the Arts Council encourage conversation about collaborative working as part of the Music Hub programme?  

Updated 14 June 2023

It is the responsibility of organisations applying to become a Hub Lead Organisation to bring together a range of organisations and individuals to form their proposed Music Hub. If awarded funding, the Hub Lead Organisation will work with its partners to ensure that local needs, demands and opportunities are responded to, and that a consistent, high-quality offer is available to all children and young people within the Hub area.  

Read the roles and responsibilities of Hub Lead Organisations in the Investment Programme Guidance for Applicants >   

To help organisations think about collaborative working, we have launched a digital resource where organisations can find others in their area who are interested in being part of a new Music Hub partnership. We have also published guidance on preparing a partnership agreement.  

We have held webinars to explore different partnership models across the creative, culture and education sectors. Our September 2022 webinar included discussion about a range of partnership models which have emerged in the Music Hub sector and the journeys which multi-area Hubs have taken. 

Rewatch the webinar >>   

Download the research >>   

Read the Q&As >>    

What does the NPME mean for me as an Arts Council funded organisation, project or individual? 

Updated 25 May 2023  

We will continue to deliver and invest in Let’s Create and we expect our music education activity and funding to also contribute to the vision and aims of the National Plan for Music Education (NPME).    

This is because we believe that a connected infrastructure of opportunity – both within and beyond school – will best support the musical lives of children and young people and that we all have a role to play in making this happen. 

Music Mark and the Music Education Council held a two-part webinar series to explain what the National Plan means for different creative, cultural and education organisations and individuals. Webinar panellists included the Department for Education, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, Arts Council England, and leaders in the music education sector. 

Re-watch the webinars > 

What does the NPME say about Music Hubs? 

Updated 25 May 2023 

The National Plan for Music Education (NPME) sets out the Department for Education’s commitment to Music Hubs, which are seen as a vital part of delivering high-quality music education. As part of the Plan, the Department for Education also confirmed continued investment of £76m per year to Music Hubs.

The NPME says: 

“We [government] want Hub Lead Organisations to become more strategic, building a wider range of strong partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities and others, so that children and young people receive high quality support in every local area and to ensure there are no local ‘cold spots’ where access to provision is limited. It is therefore our [government’s] expectation that, through the competitive process, we will see a reduced number of Hub Lead Organisations establishing partners across wider geographical areas.”   

It is important to remember that “a reduced number of Hub Lead Organisations” refers to fewer strategic organisations (HLOs) coordinating Music Hub activity, not fewer organisations working collaboratively as part of Hub.   

The DfE has detailed its thinking behind this new structure, including how it will improve outcomes and experiences for children and young people.   

Read the rationale >  

The National Plan for Music Education (NPME) announced that Arts Council England will run the investment process for Music Hubs, inviting organisations to apply for the role of Music Hub Lead Organisation in their area. These lead organisations will receive government funding to co-ordinate Music Hubs from September 2024. 

It’s important to remember that any organisation can be a partner in more than one Music Hub area - collaboration and partnership within and between Hubs will always be welcome and is strongly encouraged.   

What does the NPME want Music Hubs to do? 

Updated 25 May 2023 

The vision for Music Hubs aligns to the overall vision for the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) “to enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.” 

The National Plan outlines three aims for Music Hubs:   

 

• to support schools and other education settings to deliver high-quality music education 

• to support young people to develop their musical interests and talent further, including into employment  

• to support all children and young people to engage with a range of musical opportunities inside and out of school  

Hub Lead Organisations will also be expected to respond to five strategic functions:   

• Partnership  

• Schools  

• Progression and Musical Development  

• Inclusion  

• Sustainability 

The Investment Programme Guidance for Applicants includes everything you need to know about the role and responsibilities of new Hub Lead Organisations.  

Take a look >

How will larger Music Hub areas ensure the voices of local communities are heard and that their needs are met?  

Updated 25 May 2023 

The National Plan for Music Education (NPME) outlines the government’s vision that all music educators work collaboratively, and details its commitment to ensuring Music Hubs commission a broad range of local, regional and national partners to ensure the needs of local schools and children and young people are met.  

Read more about the Department for Education’s ambitions for new Music Hubs > 

The Music Hub Investment Programme has been informed by the voices of the music, education, creative and cultural sectors through our conversation and consultation phase. This included a consultation on whether the proposals for new Music Hub areas reflected how children and young people in each area live their lives and whether the proposals will deliver the best outcomes for them.  

We’ve used your feedback to shape the new geographic areas for Music Hubs. We believe that these new Music Hub areas will realise the ambitions of the government’s National Plan for Music Education, The power of music to change lives in a way that will deliver the best music education for all children and young people in every local area.   

Download a spreadsheet of the new Music Hub areas and funding allocations > 

View a map of new Music Hubs areas > 

Use the plus and minus button on the top left of the map to zoom in and out. 

The Music Hub Investment Programme Guidance for Applicants details how new Hub Lead Organisations will work with their Music Hub partners to analyse the needs of children and young people in their areas and, based on this deep understanding of the local community, collectively develop a Local Plan for Music Education. This plan will explain how the Hub will deliver high-quality, diverse, inclusive and representative music education for all children and young people in its area.   

What is the Arts Council doing to support children and young people to participate and progress their interests and potential in arts and culture beyond music?   

Updated 25 May 2023 

 We’re here to help every child experience creativity where they live, go to school, and choose to spend their free time.  We want to change lives by funding innovative, creative work that has a lasting impact, enabling young people to further their interests and potential including into a creative career. We want them to be able to connect to opportunities in ways which are relevant and authentic to their needs, perspectives, and interests. This includes a creative education at school which is broad and of the highest quality.   

Since 2016, we have worked with the Department for Education to invest £650 million in a range of music and cultural education programmes. We invest public funds in a National Portfolio of 985 creative and cultural organisations, with the vast majority of them committed to work with children and young people. Thanks to National Lottery players, we also distribute funds from National Lottery Good Causes to projects aimed at children and young people.  

Learn more > 

We are delighted to support the Department for Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as they develop a National Plan for Cultural Education. This will consider how to improve cultural opportunities as part of a broad and ambitious curriculum for all children and young people, including those who wish to pursue careers into our creative industries. 

Why does the plan refer to Music Hubs rather than Music Education Hubs?   

Updated 10 March 2023

The DfE has referred externally to Music Hubs in communications for some time. The new NPME reflects the intention that this be the standard terminology in future.    

The DfE recognises that the current Hubs (funded until August 2024) can, and will in many contexts, continue to be referred to as Music Education Hubs. Formally changing the name of Music Education Hubs to Music Hubs will happen as part of this investment process for new Music Hub Lead Organisations. Changing the name also aligns with the DfE’s wider programme of curriculum and school support Hubs.  

What does the National Plan for Music Education (NPME) mean to the Arts Council?  

We welcome the government’s National Plan for Music Education (NPME). Our Chief Executive, Darren Henley, was part of the expert panel which supported its development, and we also contributed evidence based on our support for music education through our investment in children and young people, and in our role as fundholder for the national Music Hub programme.  

Supporting the creative lives of children and young people from birth, enabling more equitable participation and progression, taking a place-based approach to cultural education, and supporting pathways into creative careers are key ambitions of our ten-year strategy, Let’s Create, and these are strongly reflected in the NPME. We’re excited to build on the successes of the Music Hub programme to deliver more and better music education for all children and young people in England.

How do I access music education guidance for school governors?   

We have worked with Music Mark to update the current governor guidance for Music Education now that the NPME has been published. 

You may be interested in finding out how we also support schools and other settings to develop and celebrate their commitment to arts and cultural education through Artsmark Award.   

Please note: The FAQs on this page are about Music Education Hubs in relation to the Music Hub Investment Programme.  Read our FAQs about the current Music Education Hub programme > 

What will happen to current Hub Lead Organisations who apply to the Investment Programme but are not offered the role of Hub Lead Organisation for a new Music Hub?     

Updated Tuesday 23 April 2024

We have notified applicants of the results the Music Hub Investment Programme. We have done this under embargo due to the pre-election period ahead of local elections, which requires a pause in communicating government funding publicly. We will publicly announce the new Hub Lead Organisation in early May.

Review the timeline > 

We have worked to ensure as much time as possible for organisations to transition and mobilise into the new Music Hub structure. Throughout the Investment Programme, current Hub Lead Organisations will continue to be supported by their Arts Council Relationship Manager. Please talk to your Relationship Manager if you need support with transitioning to the new Music Hub structure.

We’ll continue to work with and support current Music Education Hub Lead Organisations who apply to the Investment Programme but we don’t invite to become a new Music Hub Lead Organisation throughout the last few months of their funding agreements. These organisations should read the Guidance on transfer arrangements associated with the Music Hub Investment Programme carefully. It explains what will happen next and what you’ll need to do before the end of your current funding period.

We expect current Hub Lead Organisations will continue to play an important role in delivering music education in their area. This may be as a new Hub Lead Organisation or as a Music Hub partner, working with and receiving funding from a Hub Lead Organisation to deliver music education activity.

You can learn more about transitioning to the new programme in the ‘Transitioning to the new Music Hub Programme’ section of these FAQs.  

Music Mark, one of our Investment Principles Support Organisations, are on hand to provide advice, guidance and support to its members no matter the outcome of the Investment Programme.   

Find out more >  

Resources and support

There are a number of other resources these organisations may find useful: 

Our Investment Principles Resource Hub provides blogs, podcasts, case studies, toolkits and more to help you make sure your work, and the way you work, is environmentally responsible, ambitious and high quality, inclusive and relevant, and dynamic. This information is online for any organisation or individuals working in creativity and culture.

Have you met our Digital Culture Network? It’s here to develop your organisation’s digital skills and explore the benefits of technology. Our team of Tech Champions provide free, specialist support through webinars, online resources and 1-to-1 sessions on everything from digital strategy and marketing to data analytics and eCommerce.

 You might also find our toolkit on supporting your wellbeing useful.

Take a look at our open funds to find out what other sources of funding we offer, including National Lottery Project Grants. This fund is open all year round and invests in large and small-scale projects in communities across England. 

You can learn more about transitioning to the new programme in the ‘Transitioning to the new Music Hub Programme’ section of these FAQs.

Learn about the Music Hub Investment Programme on our website > 

New Hub Lead Organisations will receive funding to co-ordinate their Music Hubs from September 2024. 

Review the timeline > 

Can I talk to Arts Council staff about the Investment Programme? 

Updated 23 April 20224

The Arts Council is supporting applicants to the Music Hub Investment Programme, providing feedback on applications and helping organisations transition to the new Music Hub programme.

Arts Council England staff are not able to discuss the outcomes of the Investment Programme publicly during the pre-election period of sensitivity.

Current Hub Lead Organisations will continue to be supported by their Relationship Manager throughout the duration of their funding agreement.

If you have a question about the Investment Programme, take a look at our FAQs or email musichubs@artscouncil.org.uk  

What is the overall budget for the Investment Programme?  

Updated 18 July 2023

The new National Plan for Music Education (NPME) announced continued DfE investment of £76 million per year to Music Hubs up to April 2025. New Hubs will also receive £25 million funding from the DfE to enable the purchase of musical instruments (known as the ‘capital grant for musical instruments’). 

You can find the confirmed core revenue grant for each new Music Hub in the Music Hub areas and grant allocations essential document. That document also includes the final allocations for the capital grant for musical instruments.

Read the Music Hub funding allocations FAQs > 

Are there any risks to the Music Hub Investment Programme timeline if an early general election is called? 

Added 11 July 2023

From the Department for Education (summary of answer from our ‘How to apply’ webinar on 28 June 2023): 

There shouldn’t be any direct impact on the Investment Programme if a general election is called before it’s completed. Commercial programmes are typically allowed to continue. We’re conscious that this could be a possible worry for people, and a general election could be called any time up to and including January 2025. But, in reality, in government that is always the case, and therefore we do have processes in place. The pre-election period, or purdah as it’s sometimes called, is the time between an election being announced and an election taking place, and during this time there are usually some restrictions on what civil servants and government can announce, the Cabinet Office usually publishes guidance quite quickly on this. We can’t pre-empt what the Cabinet Office guidance might be, but we would expect it to advise us not to make any new public announcements within that time period. If this scenario did occur during this timeline of announcing successful applicants, we would look to advise the applicants if there were any delays as soon as we possibly could. 

What is Arts Council England’s role in the Music Hub Investment Programme?  

Updated 5 June 2023 

Arts Council England managed the first, and only, investment process for Music Education Hubs in 2011-12. The National Plan for Music Education confirmed that the Arts Council would appoint new Hub Lead Organisations through an open, competitive investment process. This investment process is called the Music Hub Investment Programme.   

At the Arts Council, we welcome the opportunity to work with the DfE on delivering a new Investment Programme for Music Hubs. These changes will help us deliver more creative opportunities for young people, and we believe this in turn will help us deliver on our strategy for 2020-30, Let’s Create.    

Read the blog from our Chief Operating Officer, Richard Russell, about the opportunities of the Investment Programme and how it will help us to deliver Let’s Create >

My organisation wants to be involved with the new Music Hub programme, but we don’t want to be a Hub Lead Organisation. How can we get involved?   

Updated 25 May 2023 

We’ve launched a digital resource where organisations can find others in their area who are interested in being part of a new Music Hub.  

Take a look > 

Whether you’re a school, creative or cultural organisation, youth-focussed charity, or another organisation interested in music education, you can get involved with a Music Hub by speaking with an Arts Council Hub Relationship Manager. Get in touch with our team at musichubs@artscouncil.org.uk to learn more.   

You could also get in touch with the Music Education Hub Lead Organisation in your area. It’s important to remember that a Hub is a group of organisations working collaboratively, not a single organisation, and therefore the starting point for collaboration is likely to be how you can work together to support music education opportunities for children and young people.   

Find your local Music Hub >   

Another useful starting point would be to contact your Hub regional representative for Music Mark, the UK Association for Music Education and a new Investment Principles Support Organisations in the Arts Council’s National Portfolio.  

We want the Music Hub Investment Programme to be shaped by the experiences and knowledge of the music, education, creative and cultural sectors. That’s why we asked for your feedback throughout our ‘conversation and consultation phase’.  

Find out more about our conversation and consultation phase > 

Our Music Hub Investment Programme: what you said webpage has FAQs about our January 2023 and March 2023 consultations, including what we did, what we learned, and how your thoughts and ideas shaped the Investment Programme.  

About the January 2023 survey and focus groups > 

About the March 2023 survey > 

What is an ‘upper tier local authority area’? 

Updated 6 February 2024 

Upper-tier local authorities are County Councils, unitary authorities, metropolitan districts and London boroughs. Music Hubs are structured around upper-tier authorities.    

Find your local Music Education Hub > 

Why are the geographic areas of Music Hubs changing? 

Updated 6 June 2023 

The government’s National Plan for Music Education says: 

“We [government] want Hub Lead Organisations to become more strategic, building a wider range of strong partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities and others, so that children and young people receive high quality support in every local area and to ensure there are no local ‘cold spots’ where access to provision is limited. It is therefore our [government’s] expectation that, through the competitive process, we will see a reduced number of Hub Lead Organisations establishing partners across wider geographical areas.”   

The Department for Education have described how a new Music Hub structure will deliver better music education for all children and young people. 

Take a look > 

What are the new Music Hub geographic areas? 

Updated 6 June 2023 

The new Music Hub geographic areas have been shaped by your feedback from our conversation and consultation phase. We believe that these new Music Hub areas will realise the ambitions of the government’s National Plan for Music Education, The power of music to change lives – which was informed by a call for evidence that heard from over 5,000 parents, teachers, and children and young people – in a way that will deliver the best music education for all children and young people in every local area.  

Download a spreadsheet of the new Music Hub areas and funding allocations > 

View a map of new Music Hub areas >  

Use the plus and minus button on the top left of the map to zoom in and out. 

Read the Department for Education’s thinking about how the new Music Hub structure will improve music education for children and young people > 

How will the new Music Hub geographic areas help achieve the DfE’s vision of Hubs being “more consistent” in size and coverage?  

The Department for Education’s updated rationale for the Investment Programme details its ambition for Music Hubs to offer greater levels of consistency in the quality and breadth of their music provision. One of the ways we intend to achieve this aim is through all Music Hubs being consistent in terms of size and coverage, with consideration of local contexts and the other ambitions of the NPME. The new Music Hub areas will reflect the NPME’s aims and the intended benefits of a new Music Hub structure, as outlined by the Department in its rationale.   

Take a look > 

Will new Hub Lead Organisations be able to share their grants with other organisations?

Updated 6 February 2024

Hub Lead Organisations cannot issue grants to partner organisations without approval from Arts Council England. This is because grant decision-making is the responsibility of the Arts Council.

Hub Lead Organisations can sub-grant to partner organisations as long as the sub-grant is supported by a legally-binding agreement that has been approved by the Arts Council. This agreement must, as a minimum, state how the partner(s) will meet all our terms and conditions of the core revenue and/or capital grant, including all necessary financial reporting and monitoring requirements.

The Arts Council must approve any partnership agreement (or similar) that includes the use or transfer of the grant to a partner. The Hub Lead Organisation will be responsible for making payments to the partner organisation(s) and will be accountable for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of funding.

Read more in our partnership agreement guidance >

In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for the Hub Lead Organisation to enter into a contractual arrangement with a partner, especially for the supply of goods, works or services that are funded in whole or in part by the grant. The Hub Lead Organisation must ensure the contractual arrangement is procured in a manner that ensures suppliers are treated equally and without discrimination, and that any procurement process is conducted in a transparent and proportionate manner, complying with the Public Contracts Regulations (2015) where appropriate.

As a reminder, all Hub Lead Organisations will be expected to publish a Commissioning Policy for their Music Hub, which clearly outlines how partners and services will be appointed and secured, how quality and performance will be monitored, and how funding will be distributed to support the delivery of the Music Hub’s Local Plan for Music Education. It will be the responsibility of the Hub Lead Organisation to consider and determine any implications associated to the funding arrangements with partners, including VAT and subsidy controls, where applicable. We are unable to provide specific advice on these matters, above and beyond what has been published in our guidance and FAQs.

Read more about our procurement standards on page 7 of our Purchasing and maintaining musical instruments essential document >

You can read about procurement standards for current Music Education Hubs in the 2023-24 standard terms and conditions (8.9 a-d are most relevant to the procurement of goods, works or services that are funded in whole or in part by the funding agreement). Please note that the standard terms and conditions for Music Hubs will be updated for the 2024-25 funding agreement period.

What’s the funding for new Music Hubs?  

Updated 6 February 2024

On 18 July 2023, we published the confirmed core grant revenue allocations for the new Music Hub areas.  

Download the Music Hub areas and grant allocations essential document > 

The Music Hub areas and grant allocations essential document also contains the final allocation figures for the capital grant for musical instruments. Music Hub Lead Organisations will have responsibility for administering the capital grant for musical instruments and will be accountable for any purchases made with this funding.

The Guidance for Applicants says ‘there will be no additional ring-fenced funding to support teachers pensions’. What does this relate to – all those that employ teachers who pay into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme? Or just those current HLOs who have previously received additional funding from the DfE via the Arts Council?

Updated 4 August 2023 

This relates to the additional funding currently provided by the DfE (and distributed via the Arts Council) until end of August 2024 to non-Local Authority HLOs whose teachers pay into the Teachers Pension Scheme. This additional funding will no longer be available from September 2024. It is up to the HLO to determine how they wish to budget and fund teachers pensions. The parameters for use of the core revenue grant are set out within the Guidance for Applicants and via these FAQs, and we would encourage HLOs to use other income flexibly.

What is the purpose of the ‘By Local Authority’ tab within the Music Hub areas and grant allocations essential document? How should we use this information? 

Updated 11 July 2023

Our Music Hub areas and grant allocations essential document provides additional background information about the local authorities, the number of pupils and the number of state-funded schools served by each Music Hub. This is provided for context only.  

The breakdown of grant funding allocations by local authority area is provided to show how the funding is calculated only. It is not intended to indicate how the grant funding allocation should be distributed across the Music Hub’s geographic area. It is the Hub Lead Organisation’s responsibility to ensure the grant is appropriately distributed to partners within the Music Hub, using their needs analysis to respond to local contexts and the specific needs of all children and young people, schools and other recipients and stakeholders in each local authority area covered by the Music Hub. 

The Guidance for Applicants states “At least 50 per cent of the Music Hub’s total income should come from other sources other than the core revenue grant”. What do you mean by ‘Hub total income’? And what happens if a Hub Lead Organisation is unable to reach the fundraising target for their Music Hub by August 2025? 

Added 11 July 2023

The Hub’s total income is defined as any income which supports the activity of the Music Hub, and should include any additional funding from sources other than the core and capital revenue grant provided by the Department for Education.

Additional funding sources that can be included are set out on pages 33-34 of our Guidance for Applicants. It can include financial contributions from your organisation (ie the Hub Lead Organisation) or other Hub partners, as long as it supports Music Hub activity.  

We currently capture information from existing Music Education Hubs on the income that is generated against the grant that goes through the Hub Lead Organisation’s accounts as well as partners who receive part of the grant and then raise income against it. We have processes in place to monitor the progress Hub Lead Organisations make on income generation, including the new Performance Framework and our risk assessments. We will also take into account when there are any external factors or other circumstances at play which may affect a HLO’s ability to raise additional income. 

The Guidance for Applicants states that “HLOs are expected to direct a minimum of 80 per cent of the core grant towards activity and support delivered by their Music Hub” and that “no more than 20 per cent of the core grant can be used to cover strategic and/or administrative costs associated with the coordination and leadership of the Music Hub.” Does this relate to expenditure for the Hub Lead Organisation or also for Hub partners?  

Added 10 July 2023

This relates to expenditure of the core revenue grant towards activity and support delivered by the Music Hub or to cover the strategic and/or administrative costs associated with the coordination and leadership of the Music Hub.  

It is therefore not limited to Hub Lead Organisation expenditure only and should be utilised to cover any Hub-related activity. Where grant funding is being directed towards Music Hub partners, the Hub Lead Organisation will be expected to have robust partnership agreements in place to demonstrate how funding is being used in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant. 

Who calculates the funding allocation? 

Added 14 June 2023

The Department for Education (DfE) provides the funding allocation figures to the Arts Council. 

How is the funding formula calculated for both the Music Hub core revenue grant and the capital grants for musical instruments? 

Added 14 June 2023

Each Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) will receive a proportion of the overall Music Hubs programme funding amount based on the number of eligible pupils in each local authority area that the Music Hub serves.  

Ninety per cent of the funding is distributed based on the total number of pupils registered on roll and the remaining 10 per cent is distributed based on the numbers of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM).   

Is 10 per cent of the funding designed to support disadvantaged pupils? 

Added 14 June 2023

Ten per cent of the budget is allocated according to the Hubs’ share of the total number of pupils who are eligible for FSM.   

This recognises that these pupils will need greater support from Hubs than others in order to take up certain musical opportunities.  

Why aren’t 17-to-18-year-olds included in the pupil count? 

Added 14 June 2023

Although the funding is intended to also support provision for 17-to-18-year-olds, the funding formula does not include them because reliable pupil figures are not available, unless they are in schools. 

Some local authority areas have very few 17-to-18-year-olds in schools (for example, where they are concentrated in sixth forms or further education colleges). It is therefore fairer to count only the five-to-16-year-olds.   

Who counts as an ‘eligible pupil’ for the funding formula?  

Added 14 June 2023

The pupils included in the headcount are: 

• all pupils who are sole or dual main registered at a school in Year 1 to Year 11 or aged five to 16 as at 31 August in the year before funding is distributed  

• where dual registration applies, all young people registered on roll at their main school 

• FSM eligible pupils in Year 1 to Year 11 or aged five to 16 as at 31 August in the year before funding is distributed  

Figures are taken from the latest available January School Census (or School Level Schools Census) for the following types of schools: 

• academy 16-19 converter 

• academy alternative provision converter 

• academy alternative provision sponsor led 

• academy converter 

• academy special converter 

• academy special sponsor led 

• academy sponsor led 

• city technology college 

• community school 

• community special school 

• foundation school 

• foundation special school 

• free schools 

• free schools – 16-19 

• free schools – alternative provision 

• free schools special 

• general hospital 

• non-maintained special school 

• pupil referral unit 

• studio schools 

• university technical college 

• voluntary aided school 

• voluntary controlled school 

Pupils at the following school types will not attract funding in the calculations: 

• local authority nursery school 

• miscellaneous 

• other independent school 

• other independent special school 

NB: Academy 16-19 converters and sponsor led, and free schools 16-19 are included in the list but have no eligible pupils as the pupil count only includes five-to-16-year-olds. 

Can the grant only be used to support the eligible pupils from the schools listed above? 

Added 14 June 2023

No, the list above is used for calculating each Hub’s funding amount only. The grant should be used to meet the requirements outlined for Hubs in The power of music to change lives: a national plan for music education (NPME), which seeks to enable all children and young people to learn to sing, play an instrument and create music together, and have the opportunity to progress their musical interests and talents, including professionally.  

Hubs are expected to connect with all schools and educational establishments, including early years, independent schools, Further Education and Higher Education establishments. However, Hub grant funding should only be used to support activity with, or for, state-funded educational establishments, their pupils and teachers, as well as school-aged, home-schooled children. As well as mainstream schools, state-funded educational establishments include pupil referral units (PRUs), alternative provision and non-mainstream settings. 

Funding to Hubs does not replace funds allocated to schools to deliver the music curriculum. As outlined within the NPME, the DfE expects schools to pay for whole class ensemble teaching/large/small-group and instrument hire. Hubs should set charges locally and transparently that achieve the widest possible engagement and demonstrate value for schools. In most cases, DfE funding will be only one of several funding sources available in a local area that the Hub, and their partner organisations, will draw upon.  

Further details on sourcing additional funding, and grant expenditure rules are available via our Guidance for Applicants. 

What age range of children and young people can the Music Hub core revenue grant be used for?  

Added 14 June 2023

The Music Hub core revenue grant can be used for all state educated children and young people from 5 to 18 years of age. Furthermore, children and young people up to 25 years old can be supported where they have special educational needs and disabilities. 

Where can I find more information on the criteria for the capital grant for musical instruments? When will it be allocated? 

Added 14 June 2023

Please refer to our purchasing and maintaining musical instruments essential document for further details.   

Read more in our capital grant FAQs > 

Will new Music Hubs need additional funding sources beyond the DfE grant?  

Added 14 June 2023 

Each Hub Lead Organisation, in conjunction with its Music Hub partners, will be expected to coordinate the generation of additional funding from sources other than the grant provided by the Department for Education to support the activity of their Music Hub.  

At least 50 per cent of the Music Hub’s total income (excluding the capital grant for musical instruments) should come from sources other than the Music Hub core revenue grant provided by the Department for Education by the end of the 2024-25 funding period.   

Read more in the Guidance for Applicants > 

When will I find out the result of my application? 

Updated 8 April 2024 

On Monday 8 April, we notified applicants of the outcomes of the Music Hub Investment Programme   

We have done this under embargo due to the pre-election period ahead of local elections.  

We will make a public announcement in early May, after the local elections. 

Review the timeline > 

At what stages of the application process/Music Hub Investment Programme can the Hub Lead Organisation status (and associated responsibility/accountability) be transferred to the new entity?     

Added 6 February 2024

You will be able to transfer the responsibilities of the Hub Lead Organisation to a new entity once funding has been awarded. If this is your intention, your application must clearly demonstrate a rationale for this change and plans for how and when this will happen. The Arts Council can support transfers of leadership and will be able to novate a funding agreement from one organisation to another even after the funding agreement has been issued and signed by the original Hub Lead Organisation. We will carry out further checks and assessment on any proposed new Hub Lead Organisation (especially if it is a completely new entity) and we can’t guarantee that a transfer of leadership will take place within the timeframes proposed by the applicant in their application. 

What is a Music Hub delivery partner? 

Updated 11 July 2023

A Music Hub delivery partner is an individual or organisation that the Hub Lead Organisation will work with to deliver the aims of its Music Hub.  

Read more about partnerships in the Guidance for Applicants >

Is there an expectation for Music Hubs to have one charging policy and one remissions policy across the Music Hub area? 

Added 11 July 2023

The Strategic Functions for Hub Lead Organisations essential document states that Hub Lead Organisations are expected to implement appropriate and transparent charging and remissions policies for the Music Hub. Whilst we think it’s important for there to be a Hub-wide approach to ensure fair and equitable charging and remissions, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the same charging and remissions requirements will be appropriate or achievable across the Hub area. Hub Lead Organisations will need to use their needs analysis to respond to the needs and local contexts for each of the local authority areas within the Music Hub and consider the most appropriate approaches and policies for charging and remissions, which reflect and respond to the financial barriers experienced by children and young people within each area. 

Does a Hub Lead Organisation need to commission itself to deliver Music Hub activity? 

Added 11 July 2023

All Hub Lead Organisations are expected to publish a Commissioning Policy for their Music Hub, which clearly outlines how partners and services will be appointed and secured by the Hub Lead Organisation, how quality and performance will be monitored, and how funding will be distributed and monitored to support the delivery of the Music Hub’s Local Plan for Music Education.

 It is important to remember that a Hub Lead Organisation must always engage the services of organisations and/or individuals that are best placed to deliver Music Hub activity through appropriate sub-contracting and commissioning arrangements.  

Therefore, if a Hub Lead Organisation (including consortium member organisations) is to be involved in the delivery of Music Hub activity, then the funding and monitoring arrangements must be clearly outlined in the Music Hub’s Commissioning Policy, with appropriate monitoring and oversight provided by the Hub board or equivalent oversight group. 

If consortium members are involved in the delivery of Music Hub activity, then the consortium’s Hub Lead Organisation – ie the organisation that is accountable for the funding agreement on behalf of the consortium – should ensure it has appropriate agreements and/or sub-contracting arrangements in place to support the distribution of funding.  

Read more in our partnership agreement guidance >

Can an organisation be a Hub delivery partner across multiple new Music Hubs? 

Updated 14 June 2023

Yes. Organisations are welcome to work across multiple new Hub areas. This means that an organisation could work as a delivery partner with multiple Music Hubs. 

Read more in the Investment Programme Guidance for Applicants > 

What is ‘TUPE’ and how does it relate to the Music Hub Investment Programme?  

TUPE stands for ‘Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006’ and its amendment in 2014. The purpose of TUPE is to protect employees when the organisation employing them ceases to provide the service provision to a company or organisation, but the service provision, which will have the same or very similar specification, is to be provided by another company or organisation.   

In relation to the Music Hub programme, TUPE may be applicable to:   

• the transfer of a Hub Lead Organisation’s functions from one organisation to another, following the outcome of this (or a future) investment process; and   

• the transfer of service provision or activity delivered on behalf of the Music Hub partnership from one organisation to another, as directed by the appointed Hub Lead Organisation  

The Music Hub Investment Programme Guidance for Applicants gives more information about TUPE and what applicants are recommended to do.   

Download the guidance > 

How many Lead Schools should we have?    

Added 11 July 2023

For each local authority area a Hub covers, the HLO will be expected to appoint at least one primary and one secondary Lead School. By ‘local authority’, we mean upper-tier local authorities. Where appropriate, HLOs should additionally appoint specialist Lead Schools (a special school and/or alternative provision for example).  

The role and purpose of Lead Schools, and criteria for appointment, are explained in the Lead Schools for Music essential document. Within the parameters set out in the document, the specific role of Lead Schools in a given Hub, the approach to identifying and appointing them, and the work they are commissioned to undertake, should be driven by the needs of pupils, teachers, and schools within the Hub area. 

There is therefore no maximum number of Lead Schools an HLO could appoint. HLOs should consider local context when appointing Lead Schools, and the role they are expected to play in their specific Music Hub.  

Learn more in the Lead Schools for Music essential document >

Should we pay our Lead Schools and if so can we use our core grant funding to do so? 

Added 11 July 2023

We expect HLOs to provide remuneration or support in kind for Lead Schools. Specific arrangements should be determined by each HLO, considering local context and the role Lead Schools will play in their Music Hub. Remuneration could be drawn from the Hub’s core revenue grant or other income.  

Learn more in the Lead Schools for Music essential document >

What happens when new Hub Lead Organisations are announced?  

Added 23 April 2023

All applicants to the Music Hub Investment Programme have been notified of the outcome of their application.

We are now working with new Hub Lead Organisations to negotiate their funding agreements and support their transition to the new Hub programme – you can read more about it in this FAQs. We have published documents to help you with funding agreement negotiation.

Take a look >  

For applicants we haven’t invited to become a new Hub Lead Organisation, we understand that the decision will be disappointing. You can have a conversation with us where we share detailed feedback about your application and answer your questions. 

What is funding agreement negotiation?  

Added 8 February 2024  

If we invite you to become a new Hub Lead Organisation, we’ll send you a letter confirming how much core revenue funding you’ll receive from the Department for Education for the 2024/25 funding period and if there are any conditions you need to meet before you receive the funding. This is called the conditional funding offer. This letter will contain detailed feedback on your application. 

To help you understand the conditional funding offer, the Arts Council will have a meeting with your team in which we’ll talk through the feedback and explain any areas that we’d like you to develop before you receive a funding agreement.

Between April and June, we’ll ask you to update your plans and submit documents to show how you’ll respond to the requirements outlined in your conditional funding offer. This process is called funding agreement negotiation. Once submitted and approved, we will issue a funding agreement, which will then be signed by you and the Arts Council.  

We know that there’ll be lots to do to prepare for transition to the new programme. We’ll support you throughout and will be as pragmatic as we can be about requirements, focussing on key priorities like ensuring impartial and accountable governance structures, and broad and diverse partnerships that will deliver plans based on local need.  

We’ll share further information on the capital grant for musical instruments in April. You will receive a conditional offer for the capital funding once your funding agreement for the core revenue grant has been finalised and signed. 

How should organisations prepare to transition to the new Music Hub structure? Is there any support and/or funding available to help? What happens if organisations don’t have all of their plans and strategies in place for 1 September 2024?     

Updated 8 February 2024

Within the Music Hub Development Plan, applicants were asked to “include key priorities and milestones that will enable you to plan, prepare and implement your Music Hub and its Local Plan for Music Education (LPME) for the start of the funding period (1 September 2024).”  

We recognise that the transition to the new Music Hub structure will be challenging, both for new and current Hub Lead Organisations and their partners. We have put measures in place to support and enable this transition, though we don’t anticipate any funding being available for new Hub Lead Organisations prior to the start of the new programme in September 2024.  

It is our expectation that direct delivery to children and young people will not be affected by the structural changes that will be realised by the Investment Programme. We still need a diverse range of delivery partners to deliver activity locally in and out of school. We have advised applicants to reach out to current Hub Lead Organisations to understand what activity is currently delivered by whom and we recommend current Hub Lead Organisations share this information to ensure music education is not disrupted.  

We recognise that some partnerships, relationships and/or activity may not be fully in place from 1 September 2024.  

Applicants that we invite to become new Hub Lead Organisations will be asked for further information on their confirmed plans during the funding agreement negotiation period. 

Read more in our Guidance on transfer arrangements to the Music Hub Investment Programme>

What is the capital grant for musical instruments, equipment and technology? 

Updated 23 April 2024

In addition to the core revenue funding for new Music Hubs, the Department for Education is investing a further £25 million in musical instruments and equipment, and technology where it is used specifically for music-making purposes and to benefit children and young people.  

This capital grant will be made available to new Hub Lead Organisations who will need to demonstrate how their purchasing plans will enable them to meet the needs of the Music Hub area and benefit music-making for local children and young people.   

We expect the Music Hub capital grant for musical instruments, equipment and technology to be used predominantly to purchase acoustic, amplified, electric and digital musical instruments and equipment, including where they have been adapted or developed to meet the needs of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. 

However, we will consider plans that include proposals to use the capital grant to buy further items of music technology, asking Hub Lead Organisations to demonstrate how the technology will be used in ways which are specifically related to music-making by and with children and young people. 

For information about the Music Hub capital grant for musical instruments, equipment and technology, please refer to the essential information document and draft terms and conditions.

When will Hub Lead Organisations receive the capital grant and when will they need to spend it by?  

Updated 23 April 2024

The capital grant will be allocated to newly appointed Hub Lead Organisations once they have secured their funding agreement for the core revenue grant.  

We expect to issue payments across two academic years: 2024/25 and 2025/26. For further information about payment conditions and specific payment timings, please see the essential information document and draft terms and conditions.

Can the capital grant be used for the management and maintenance of musical instruments, equipment and technology?          

Updated 23 April 2024

The capital grant is for the purchase of musical instruments, equipment, and technology where it is used specifically for music-making purposes and to benefit children and young people. 

Purchases made with the grant must be capitalised according to the purchasing organisation’s accounting policies. This will mean purchases need to exceed a ‘de minimis’ cost threshold and will need to have a minimum productive life (of at least one year). The grant cannot be spent on repair, maintenance or storage of instruments. Such costs cannot generally be capitalised, as they will usually be too low value. 

New Hub Lead Organisations must therefore have plans in place for storing and maintaining assets, including instruments and equipment. These will need to be paid for from sources other than the capital grant (such as the core revenue grant and/or other earned income). 

For further information, please see the essential information document and draft terms and conditions. 

Who will own instruments, equipment, and technology purchased using the capital grant?        

Updated 23 April 2024

The capital grant will be provided to organisations that we invite to become new Hub Lead Organisations.  

Hub Lead Organisations will be responsible for owning all instruments, equipment and technology purchased with the grant, and for ensuring they are used for the specific purposes set out in the funding agreement. 

Hub Lead Organisations can make the grant available to partners to enable them to purchase eligible instruments, equipment and technology on behalf of the Music Hub. Partners may also store, manage and/or maintain instruments, equipment and technology bought with the capital grant, but the Hub Lead Organisation will own all assets purchased with the grant and be responsible for any loss or damage. In such cases, we expect Hub Lead Organisations to put in place appropriate legal agreements to confirm how the assets purchased with the grant will be procured, managed and maintained.  

As part of their responsibilities, Hub Lead Organisations will also be required to maintain up- to- date records of instruments and equipment held across the Hub, including by partners, and to specifically hold a register of assets for items purchased with the capital grant. 

For further information, please see the essential information document and draft terms and conditions. 

How are the Arts Council and the Department for Education supporting suppliers and the sector to prepare for this investment? 

Added 23 April 2024

We have published information about the capital grant in an essential information document, alongside draft terms and conditions. 

As a reminder, HLOs will receive a conditional offer for the capital grant after their funding agreement for the revenue grant has been signed. HLOs don’t need to act immediately on the information we’ve published, but we are making this available to help them to understand more about the key dates and requirements of the capital grant, and to support planning. 

We continue to consult with the Music Industries Association which was part of the Capital Grant task and finish group. 

The Department for Education intends to develop a Suppliers Framework to support retailers and manufacturers of musical instruments, equipment, and technology to engage with this important investment into the musical lives of children and young people.  

You can learn more about the framework on the government’s Find a Tender and Contracts Finder websites.

How much funding will each new Hub Lead Organisation receive from the capital grant for musical instruments? 

Added 14 June 2023

We have published the confirmed capital funding allocations for new Music Hub areas. 

Take a look at the funding allocations > 

When will more information be shared about the Progression Fund?   

The National Plan set out a proposal for a music Progression Fund with projects expected to take place from September 2024 for four years. It will target support towards disadvantaged children and young people with musical potential, enthusiasm and commitment, aiming to reach around a thousand young people in four to six areas.   

The Department for Education held a webinar about the Progression Fund.  

Find out more > 

Music Mark, one of Arts Council England’s Investment Principle Support Organisations, has published a summary of the latest information on the Progression Fund here.  

Further information will be shared by the Department for Education.

When will there be more information about the National Music Hub Centres of Excellence?    

New National Music Hub Centres of Excellence will be identified and supported through specific investment to deliver a specialist support service. All Music Hubs will be expected to work closely with the Centres of Excellence. Further information will be shared by the Department for Education.