Etio Confirmed as National Centre for Arts and Music Education Delivery Partner

Music Mark welcomes today’s announcement by the Department for Education that Etio has been confirmed as the delivery partner for the establishment and operation of the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education. 

Etio is the new name for the government services arm of Tribal Group plc and they partner with governments to support the delivery of large-scale projects which improve the quality and impact of education. Their mission is to effect positive change by elevating education, everywhere. Etio is currently associated with the Maths Hubs and Nursery Teaching Hubs.

Music Mark is committed to developing its role with Etio as a trusted partner, advocate, and critical friend, ensuring the voices of members and the wider sector help shape this important next chapter. 

The National Centre will be established through a phased implementation programme beginning no sooner than 30 September 2026, following the statutory standstill period for any public procurement process. Responsibility for the Music Hubs network will transfer to the Centre from 1 September 2027. Music Mark also welcomes the news that Arts Council England will work alongside Etio to support the development of relationships across the music education sector as part of this transition.  

The priorities outlined for the National Centre present a significant opportunity to strengthen arts and music education across England through providing strategic national leadership to support equitable access to high-quality arts education, supporting excellent teaching through online CPD, promoting arts education to school leaders and oversight of the Music Hubs network. particularly for children and young people in underserved communities.

As The UK Association for Music Education and membership organisation for the Music Hub network in England, Music Mark looks forward to working closely with Etio, Arts Council England, the Department for Education, Music Hubs, schools, and sector partners to support the successful development of the National Centre and help realise its ambitions for children and young people. 

This announcement reflects the growing recognition of the vital role that music and the arts play in every child’s education and development. Music Mark is encouraged by the Government’s commitment to ensuring that more children and young people can benefit from high-quality music and arts opportunities, both in and beyond the classroom. 

Partnership working will be essential to the success of the National Centre, and Music Mark is ready to play its part. Through our extensive membership, sector expertise, and strong relationships across education, culture, and policymaking, as well as our expertise in training and support for schools, we are well placed to support this transition and contribute to the Centre’s long-term success. 

We recognise that members will have questions about what this development means for the future of music education and the Music Hubs network. As further details emerge, Music Mark will continue to engage with members, share updates, and provide opportunities for discussion and feedback. 

To support these conversations, Music Mark will convene a Big Meet in due course, once the standstill period is over, for members to explore the announcement, discuss its implications for the sector, and consider the opportunities ahead. 

Together, we have an important opportunity to shape a stronger future for music education, ensuring that every child and young person can access the transformative power of music and the arts.