Music is a statutory subject in the National Curriculum, yet it’s one of the most inconsistently delivered areas in primary education. With Ofsted placing increased focus on the breadth and balance of the curriculum -including music – now is the time for school leaders and music leads to take a fresh look at their provision.
The Growing Spotlight on Primary Music
Ofsted’s subject deep dives have revealed significant variation in how music is taught across primary schools. In some cases, pupils experience high-quality, progressive learning. In others, music is ad hoc, tokenistic, or overly reliant on a single annual production.
Inspectors are looking for clear progression, confident teaching, and meaningful pupil engagement. They want to see how your music curriculum builds musical knowledge and skills over time, and how it supports pupils’ wider development—including creativity, confidence, and cultural awareness.
So, how confident are you that your school’s music provision is Ofsted ready?
Common Challenges in Primary Music
Many schools face similar hurdles when it comes to delivering high-quality music education:
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Lack of teacher confidence: Most primary class teachers don’t have a music background. Without the right support, even enthusiastic teachers can struggle to deliver meaningful lessons.
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Inconsistent progression: Without a clear curriculum or shared understanding of musical development, pupils can miss key learning milestones.
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Limited resources: Budget constraints and time pressures mean music often gets squeezed out in favour of “core” subjects.
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Minimal parental engagement: Unlike reading or maths, music learning isn’t always visible at home, which makes it harder to involve families in pupils’ musical journeys.
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Tick-box compliance: Some schools lean heavily on off-the-shelf schemes that offer surface-level coverage but little depth or flexibility.
If any of these challenges resonate, you’re not alone.
So, What Does Good Look Like?
Ofsted recognises that not every school can employ a specialist music teacher – but every school can provide high-quality music. What matters is that pupils are regularly taught music, that teaching is well-planned and progressive, and that leaders know what good music learning looks like.
In an Ofsted-ready school, music provision:
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Follows a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum
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Includes both class teaching and wider enrichment
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Supports non-specialist teachers with high-quality CPD and resources
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Engages pupils actively through singing, playing, composing, and listening
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Makes musical progress visible – to pupils, teachers, and parents
Meet SoMi: Music Made Possible
At SoMi Academy, we believe every child deserves a joyful and challenging music education—no matter the size or setting of their school. That’s why we’ve created a complete solution designed specifically for primary schools.
SoMi’s approach empowers schools to deliver music confidently, consistently, and creatively. With a curriculum built by experts, a digital platform that tracks progress, and a gamified app that connects school and home, SoMi turns music from a worry into a win.
Whether you’re a confident music lead or just starting out, SoMi helps your school:
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Meet curriculum and Ofsted expectations
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Support teachers with training and resources
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Track musical progress over time
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Engage families in meaningful ways
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Create a culture of music across the whole school
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re not 100% confident your music provision is Ofsted ready, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to solve it on your own.
Sign up for your free 30 minute SoMi SoundCheck to help you audit your current provision and identify key development priorities. It’s a great starting point for music leads and senior leaders working together to raise the bar.
👉 Click here to book your SoMi SoundCheck
Music matters. Let’s make it work in your school.