Richard Gill, CEO of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), has been appointed to a new national board tasked with monitoring the government’s plan to help shape the future of music education schools.

In addition to his appointment to the Department for Education’s national SEND and alternative provision board, Richard has been asked to join the national plan for music education monitoring board, which aims to oversee ministers’ plan to boost music education in schools.

The national plan for music education aims to encourage every school to have a music development plan, with schools also being asked to offer at least one hour of music curriculum a week.

It follows the model music curriculum published for key stages 1, 2 and 3.

Richard (pictured), who is also chair of the Teaching School Hubs Council (TSHC), has been appointed to the board, which is made up of experts in music, school music teaching and curriculum design, music education beyond schools, music charities and the music industry.

The Department for Education and Department for Culture, Media and Sport will retain ultimate responsibility for decisions on policy and implementation.

Richard, a former music teacher is passionate about music education and hopes his position on the board will help drive forward quality and accessible music provision in schools.

He said: “It’s an honour to be part of this panel, chaired by Veronica Wadley CBE (Baroness Fleet), and made up of fellow professionals who are equally passionate about music and embedding excellence across all schools.

“We want to engage more children and young people in music and give them access to quality provision that’s relevant, enjoyable and purposeful.”

In addition to his many high-profile national and regional education leadership roles, Richard has a vast amount of experience and expertise in music education.

Following on from his tuba studies at Huddersfield University, the keen musician mixed his love of music through teaching as a peripatetic music teacher and as a freelance musician, performing in a number of nationally acclaimed brass ensembles and orchestras and working as a conductor/musical director in the professional theatre.

Having committed himself to teaching, Richard became a full time teacher for Staffordshire Music Service, eventually becoming an area manager coordinating peripatetic instrumental teaching in South Staffordshire and providing a range of ensemble opportunities for local people across Codsall and Wombourne.