Headteachers are being warned that simply buying in music tuition will not in itself ensure that pupils are receiving a high-quality music education.

In its report Music in Schools: sound partnerships, Ofsted said that, at its best, music partnership (schools working with external organisations to provide music education) can play a considerable part in enabling pupils to learn instruments and take part in orchestras, bands and choirs.

But this is too often not the case. The report comes after earlier work by the inspectorate found that music teaching in schools is often inadequate. Under the National Plan for Music Education, partnership working will play an increasing role in music provision.

Ofsted recommends schools match significant, sustained levels of funding with rigorous evaluation, that they ensure all groups of pupils benefit and that provision is linked to pupils’ interests.

Music tuition partnerships

Provided by local authority music service 51%

School’s own staffno additional tuition 10%

Private tutors only 17%

Local authority and private tutors 22%

Effectiveness of partnership work

Inadequate 29%

Outstanding 5%

Good 12%

Satisfactory 54%.