New Heights School is a three-site Pupil Referral Unit providing highly individualised education for pupils across Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.
The school does not currently provide a discrete, timetabled music curriculum or accredited music qualification. Our immediate curriculum priorities have focused on re-engaging pupils in education, strengthening literacy and numeracy, supporting emotional regulation and preparing pupils for their next stage of education, training or employment.
We recognise the value that music can have in supporting creativity, confidence, self-expression, wellbeing and engagement. We also recognise the government’s expectation that pupils in alternative provision should have access to meaningful musical experiences.
During 2026/27, the school will:
review pupils’ interests in music and music technology;
audit existing staff skills, resources and facilities across the three sites;
seek advice from the local Music Hub about provision suitable for an alternative-provision setting;
explore accessible opportunities such as digital music production, songwriting, performance workshops and visiting practitioners;
consider how musical experiences could be incorporated into enrichment and personal-development provision; and
develop a realistic and sustainable proposal for future music provision, subject to pupil need, staffing, resources and available funding.
The school will explore opportunities to work with the local Music Hub and other appropriate organisations. Partnership working may allow pupils to access specialist expertise and equipment that the school cannot currently provide directly.
Progress against these priorities will be reviewed during the summer term. An updated summary will be published for the 2027/28 academic year.
Published: September 2026
Next review: July 2027
