The Department for Education has confirmed Etio as the delivery partner for the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, a development Music Mark reported today. Etio, formerly the government services arm of Tribal Group, will manage the centre’s establishment following a statutory standstill period, with a phased implementation programme beginning no sooner than September 30, 2026.
Responsibility for the Music Hubs network will transfer to the new centre on September 1, 2027. Music Mark stated that the centre aims to provide strategic national leadership to ensure equitable access to high-quality arts education, particularly for children in underserved communities. The initiative includes plans to support excellent teaching through online continuing professional development for educators and to promote arts education to school leaders.
Arts Council England will collaborate with Etio to foster relationships within the sector during this transition. Music Mark affirmed its commitment to acting as a critical friend to ensure member voices shape the programme. The organization plans to convene a meeting for members to discuss implications for the future of music hubs once the procurement process concludes.
For more information, visit musicmark.org.uk.