Holyhead Primary Academy has received the Music Mark Award for the 2025-26 academic year, in recognition of its commitment to delivering high-quality music education.
The national award celebrates schools that place music at the heart of learning. The Academy was recognised for the breadth of its curriculum, partnerships with leading cultural organisations, and the opportunities provided for all pupils to engage in meaningful musical experiences.
Music at Holyhead is both ambitious and inclusive. Pupils explore a wide range of genres while also creating and performing their own pieces. Dedicated focus days offer immersive experiences, allowing children to engage with music on a deeper level.
Instrumental tuition, vocal development and music technology are also a key part of the school’s provision. Bi-weekly singing assemblies bring the whole school together, with additional opportunities to perform through choir club, concerts, theatre visits, and the annual Sandwell schools’ performance at Lichfield Cathedral. Repertoire projects and live performances give pupils the chance to showcase their work beyond the classroom, with opportunities provided free of charge to ensure inclusivity.
The Academy’s programme is strengthened by partnerships with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Conservatoire and Sandwell Music and Arts Service (SIPS). These collaborations bring professional musicians into school, provide specialist workshops and create further pathways for pupils, including small group tuition and access to external music programmes.
School Principal Natalie Shipley said: “At Holyhead, we know that the creative arts play a huge role in helping our children’s development. They give pupils the chance to experiment, take creative risks, and grow skills they can use across all areas of their learning.
“Whether it’s performing in a choir, composing their own pieces, or exploring new musical ideas, children gain confidence, creativity and a real sense of achievement. These experiences also make school exciting. Our pupils look forward to the opportunities to create, perform and share their work, and its these amazing experiences that will stay with them long after they leave us”.
Founded in 2013, the Music Mark award celebrates schools and organisations that provide inclusive, accessible and high-quality music education for all children and young people.
