Etio appointed to run National Centre for Arts and Music Education
The Department for Education has appointed education consultancy Etio as delivery partner for England’s new National Centre for Arts and Music Education, which will take over oversight of the Music Hubs network from September 2027.
The confirmation of Etio's appointment follows a Department for Education procurement process.
The Centre is due to begin a phased implementation programme no earlier than 30 September 2026, following the statutory standstill period associated with the procurement. Responsibility for England’s Music Hubs network will transfer to the Centre from 1 September 2027.
The government has committed up to £13m over three years to the Centre, which is intended to provide national leadership for arts and music education in England. Its remit includes supporting schools to deliver high-quality provision in music, art and design, drama and dance; developing online continuing professional development for teachers; promoting progression opportunities; and improving equitable access to arts education.
Etio is the new name for the government services division of Tribal Group and works with governments on large-scale education programmes. It is already involved in national education infrastructure including Maths Hubs and Nursery Teaching Hubs.
Arts Council England will work alongside Etio during the transition, including in developing relationships across the music education sector.
The appointment marks a significant change in the national structure for music education. Music Hubs are currently overseen nationally by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Education, but this responsibility will move to the new Centre in September 2027.
When the Centre was first announced in March 2025, the Department for Education said it would be expected to promote arts education, support high-quality teaching and strengthen partnerships between schools and arts and cultural organisations.
Music Mark, the UK Association for Music Education and membership organisation for the Music Hub network in England, welcomed Etio’s appointment and said it intended to work with the company as a ‘trusted partner, advocate, and critical friend’. It plans to convene a meeting for members after the procurement standstill period to discuss the implications of the announcement.
Further details of the Centre’s governance, leadership and initial programme of work are expected to emerge as the implementation process begins.