A Groundbreaking Year of Impact Across Yorkshire and the North East
We are proud to have celebrated our most successful year to date, with over 8,685 children receiving weekly music lessons through partnerships with 34 schools across Yorkshire and Tees Valley.
This milestone marks significant progress towards our goal of teaching 10,000 children every week by 2026 - a target that will mean almost one in seven primary-aged children in the region will have regular access to high-quality music education.
“Music inspires, unites and empowers. The Foundation brings that power into classrooms – ensuring every child, whatever their background, can access high-quality music teaching,” said Andrea Hayes, former Headteacher and Trustee of the Foundation.
Key Highlights from the Foundation’s 2024–25 Impact Report:
8,685 children received weekly music lessons, totalling 8,250 hours of high-quality music education.
34 partner schools participated – including new additions in East Yorkshire, Saltburn, Darlington, Richmond, and Selby.
450 children joined the Foundation’s biggest-ever Make Music Day, celebrating creativity and collaboration through live workshops and performances.
10 free “Music Explorers” holiday clubs reached 263 children, with an average of 57% eligible for Free School Meals – rising to 85% in Scarborough.
1,943 children took part in Foundation-led events, concerts, and community performances.
Independent evaluations and teacher feedback revealed transformative results:
99% of staff reported improved confidence among pupils.
97% saw enhanced musical knowledge.
92% observed improvements in wellbeing.
94% said their school’s standard of music teaching had improved.
“The love of music you are instilling in children is wonderful – it’s breathing life back into the curriculum,” said a teacher from Crayke CofE Primary School.
Reaching Communities That Need It Most
Half of our partner schools have over 30% of pupils eligible for Free School Meals, and twelve are based in Arts Council England’s ‘Priority Places.’ By focusing on these areas, we are ensuring access to the social, emotional, and educational benefits of music for children who might otherwise miss out.
How You Can be Involved
Whether you’re a parent, musician, or member of the public passionate about music education, RSMF would like to invite you to get involved. Please consider becoming a Friend of the Foundation by committing to a monthly donation – as small or large as suits you. You’ll receive updates from the Foundation and invitations to events. Visit: donate.rsmf.org.uk.