At SoMi Academy, we believe every child deserves a creative outlet that builds confidence, fosters teamwork, and inspires learning. Thatâs why our small-group band lessons have become a powerful tool for supporting disadvantaged pupilsâand an excellent use of Pupil Premium funding.
But donât just take our word for it. Letâs look at how our approach aligns with national guidance and best practice from the Department for Education (DfE), the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), and Ofsted.
đŻ Targeted Support that Makes a Difference
The DfE and EEFâs recommended âmenu of approachesâ for Pupil Premium spending centres around three pillars:
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High-quality teaching
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Targeted academic support
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Wider opportunities for enrichment
SoMiâs band lessons hit all three.
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Each session is led by experienced, specialist music tutors.
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Lessons are structured for small groups, allowing individualised attention.
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Pupils gain practical music skills, but also benefit from improved listening, memory, and collaborationâskills that carry over into the classroom.
đľ Cultural Enrichment That Closes the Gap
Itâs widely recognised that access to arts and culture is often limited for disadvantaged children. A New Direction highlights how cultural education supports pupil wellbeing, builds vocabulary, and enhances engagement.
By offering regular opportunities to:
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Play in bands,
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Explore diverse genres, and
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Perform for real audiences,
SoMi gives pupils the cultural capital thatâs so often missingâand crucial for long-term success.
đ Evidence-Based, Ofsted-Approved
Ofsted reports that schools using their Pupil Premium for arts-based programmes often show:
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Higher pupil engagement,
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Improved confidence,
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Stronger school attendance.
But the key is measuring impact.
SoMi supports schools with:
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Attendance tracking,
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Pupil surveys on confidence and motivation,
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Evidence of cross-curricular gains (like improved literacy through song lyrics and lyric-writing).
All of this helps schools demonstrate that the funding is being used effectivelyâand with purpose.
đ§âđ Putting Disadvantaged Pupils First
Effective use of the Pupil Premium means targeting the pupils who need it most. SoMi works with schools to identify priority pupils, ensuring that:
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Those in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM),
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Children in care, and
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Other disadvantaged learners
…are offered a place in our band programme as a priority.
Itâs an inclusive, aspirational modelâand it works.
â In Summary: Why SoMi Band Lessons Are a Smart Spend
Benefit | How SoMi Delivers |
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Targeted Intervention | Small group sessions for identified pupils |
Cultural Enrichment | Exposure to music, performance, and creativity |
Improved Engagement | Confidence, collaboration, and attendance gains |
Evidence of Impact | Tools for monitoring progress and outcomes |
High-Quality Teaching | Delivered by expert music tutors |
If youâre a headteacher or school leader looking to make meaningful use of your Pupil Premium, SoMiâs band lessons provide more than musicâthey build momentum for learning.
Letâs talk about bringing SoMi to your school.