Changes to Music Education Grant funding for 2026-27
Music Education Hubs, funded by the DfE through Arts Council England, exist to ensure every child has access to a high-quality musical education. Devon Music Education Hub works in partnership with schools across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay to deliver the National Plan for Music Education, providing resources, expertise, and targeted support to strengthen music provision in every setting.
What’s changing?
From 2026–27, the flat-rate £300 Music Education Grant (MEG) available to schools in Devon and Torbay will be replaced by a targeted project-based funding model. This shift will enable clearer outcomes, stronger accountability, and better use of limited resources in a challenging financial climate. Funding for Music Hubs has stagnated for over a decade which means the current approach to delegated funding is now unsustainable.
What remains available?
Schools will continue to access the Hub’s core offer:
- Fully subsidised digital resources
- Instrument and equipment loans
- Support from Local Music Development Leads
- Instrumental/vocal tuition bursaries for disadvantaged secondary pupils
New funding opportunity
All schools can apply for £500–£1,000 for focused music projects, with flexible applications across the year. The application process for this new fund will be published in the coming weeks.
Eligible projects include but are not limited to:
- Whole Class Ensemble Tuition
- School or cluster performances
- Development of ensemble opportunities
- Targeted provision for pupils with additional needs
For more information about Devon Music Education Hub and the support available to your school, please contact your Local Music Development Lead.
