Introducing the Music Mark of Recognition for Schools
11th September 2025
Music Mark is excited to launch the Music Mark of Recognition for Schools: a way for schools to receive recognition from their local music service for their provision and steps they are taking to improve their music education, with a certificate and logo to display. Read on to learn more about the Music Mark of Recognition for Schools, and how this will allow us to support schools further.
What is the Music Mark of Recognition?
The Music Mark of Recognition is sent by music services who are Music Mark members and consists of a certificate and logo, with additional benefits. There are two certificates available: the Music Mark of Recognition for Dedication & Improvement, and the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality. Music services can decide which certificate they would like to present to which schools. There is no limit to how many schools can receive the Music Mark of Recognition!
When receiving a Music Mark of Recognition, schools will be asked to agree to the Music Mark of Recognition Pledges before they can download their certificate and logo. The pledges are:
This school pledges to:
- Advocate for the importance of music education in the curriculum and creative life of our school
- Provide an equitable, diverse and inclusive music education for every young person
- Welcome opportunities to broaden our musical horizons by working with providers in our community and beyond
Schools that accept the Music Mark of Recognition will receive a 50% discount off our Schools Membership (for the academic year 2025-2026), allowing them to access our full range of member benefits.
Why has Music Mark Schools changed?
There has been significant ambiguity and different perceptions about Music Mark Schools. A common misconception was that Music Mark Schools was an award or quality mark. Others conflated membership with Music Mark Schools.
We want schools to know that Music Mark exists to Support, Connect, and Influence. There are ways to engage that are free as well as the wider benefits of membership.
The Music Mark team are proud of what The Music Mark of Recognition signifies; a true exchange of aspiration, support and improvement. It provides an opportunity to recognise the hard work going on behind the scenes at a school with the core motivation being the musical lives of the students and the quality of their music education. – Abi Marrison, Music Mark Schools Manager
I am working in a school, how do we get the Music Mark of Recognition?
We’re running two sessions in September to explain the Music Mark of Recognition in more detail for schools, and for you to ask any questions you may have. Find out more and register here.
If you aren’t sure who your music service is, or have any questions, please get in touch with us and we can help.
I am working for a Music Service and want to know more about the process
We ran briefing sessions for Music Services in the Summer term 2025 and sent information to key contacts in your organisation at the start of September. If you, or any colleague was unable to attend these sessions or have further questions please get in touch.
How else can Music Mark support schools?
Resources
We have a large library of resources freely available on our website, including curriculum inspiration, summary documents, and support with advocating for the value of music education.
Many of our past training and events are archived and available for members to access.
Online training & guidance
We host a variety of free and member-only training and events online designed to inspire and aid professional development.
Upcoming sessions include the popular termly update from Ofsted on inspecting music in schools and our termly T-Time sessions, which provide a networking opportunity for classroom teachers to reflect with colleagues around the UK.
We also have an exciting Primary Music Teaching Series and Secondary Music Teaching Series, both of which are free for members.
There’s more
And if you’re looking to get more from Music Mark, you can join us as a School Member, sign up to any of our newsletters, and keep on top of the latest news with our research shorts, blogs and podcast.
