Jen’s Journal: Hitting the Ground Running!

Welcome to Jen’s Journal (new holding title for Bridget’s Blog)!

I have no doubt whatsoever that September, for all of us, has been a busy month as we launch into the fresh year ahead. The summer break already feels like a lifetime ago as we deal with the everyday tasks and challenges that September brings.

I’ve now entered my 5th week as CEO of Music Mark, and I’ve travelled across the UK to meet many of you either online or in-person. I’m learning very quickly that the train network isn’t that reliable but, nonetheless, I’m loving the new role. Thanks so much for your support and kind words. It certainly feels like we’ve all hit the ground running!

Despite delays to their announcement, the Department for Education has now confirmed that Etio will become the delivery partner for the new National Centre for Arts Education (England). We know that the Centre “will play a pivotal role in delivering the government’s ambition to revitalise arts in schools…” and it’s encouraging that “partnership, trust and a commitment to sector engagement” are at the heart of their thinking. Arts Council will continue their role, and the transition to Etio, until September 2027 and will support the Centre further “to develop relationships across the cultural education sector”. At the same time, change is always unsettling and let’s be very honest, our sector has experienced a great deal of change over the years.

Over the past few days, I’ve received many messages from you all to raise with Etio and here are just a few:

• Why has Music been dropped from the Centre’s name?
• Will Music Hubs be required to deliver a wider arts remit?
• What is their long-term vision?
• How will the allocated Music Hub funding support their priorities?

And there are many more…

At this early stage, and particularly as we’re still in the standstill period, we need to wait for the details to truly understand what it means in practice, and how, as a sector, we can help shape its future. However, rest assured, we’re in active dialogue with key stakeholders including DfE, Etio and ACE to ensure we’re well positioned to support its future. This also includes key opportunities for our membership to hear directly from Etio about developments at the earliest stages:

1. Big Meet in Oct (date to be announced post standstill)
2. Music Mark Annual Conference 2026 on 16th and 17th November

The pace of change in music education can sometimes feel overwhelming however over recent weeks, and during the many conversations I’ve had, it’s clear how deeply we all care about the future of music education. Together, we can help shape this next phase and please reach out to me with your thoughts and questions! I also look forward to chatting to you further at the Music Mark Annual Conference 2026 Tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay!

I’ll be in touch very soon with more details regarding the Big Meet in October. Until then, I wish you all a great start to the academic year!

(And finally…I hope you like the new title, Jen’s Journal! But if you have any better ideas, please send them my way. Postcards optional!)