Shireland Collegiate Academy has been awarded the Music Mark Award for the 2025-2026 academic year, recognising its continued commitment to delivering an inclusive, high-quality music education.
The national award is presented to schools that place music at the heart of their curriculum and provides students with meaningful opportunities to engage in musical activity.
At Shireland, music forms part of a broad and balanced curriculum, with a focus on developing students’ confidence, creativity and performance skills thorough practical-based learning. Provision is designed to be accessible to all learners, regardless of their future aspirations.
The Academy also works in partnership with Sandwell Music and Arts Service to provide free instrumental tuition, where students can learn a range of instruments including voice, keyboard, guitar, drums, violin, woodwind and brass.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to take part in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including choirs, drop-in music clubs and regular performance opportunities. These experiences culminate in the school’s annual music showcase, which brings together performances from across year groups and celebrates student progress and achievement.
Music also forms part of the Academy’s Arts Aptitude Programme, a selective pathway for students with a strong interest in the arts. Alongside the core curriculum, learners on the programme benefit from enhanced provision in art, dance, drama and music. They also have access to specialist workshops through partnerships with organisations such as the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Students have further benefited from industry-focused learning experiences, including a recent songwriting workshop led by Matt Cominotto, lead singer of The Mercians. The session gave GCSE Music students the opportunity to explore approaches used in professional composition, lyric writing and arrangement.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “We’re delighted to have once again received this award. Music has always been a key part of our wider belief that education should develop the whole child, not just academic outcomes.
“What matters most is that students experience music as something real and meaningful, whether that’s performing, composing or working alongside professionals. Those experiences help them to build confidence, take ownership of their learning and develop creativity and resilience that stay with them long after they leave school. We’re very fortunate to have a dedicated music team who understand the value of this work and ensure that every student has the opportunity to take part and succeed in their own way.”
The Academy remains committed to ensuring music continues to play a central role in school life, with opportunities for students to explore, develop and enjoy music in a supportive and ambitious environment.
