Rocksteady Music School Impact Report 2026
A letter from the CEO
Children are born into this world with very different distances to travel to reach their full potential. Truly inclusive music education changes how children feel about school, about themselves, and about what they can achieve. At Rocksteady, we see this transformation every single day across thousands of primary schools in England and Wales – manifested in the self-belief they build, the friendships they form, and the immense pride they feel when performing on stage.
As the UK’s largest music education service, we’re proud to be the biggest employer of musicians on a full-time, permanent basis, providing passionate artists with a secure platform to inspire the next generation. Our scale and academic impact are unparalleled: more children pass Rocksteady’s exam-free, Ofqual-regulated music qualification every year than the total number of students passing Music GCSE and A Level combined nationwide. In spring 2026, the proprietary systems underpinning this work earned us the EdTechX Award for Formal Education. In an era rich with advanced digital learning tools, this is a phenomenal recognition of our development team, whose work ensures the absolute quality and consistency of our programme.
This significant scale demands a rigorous, research-backed foundation, and this year we went even bigger than ever – gathering more than 11,000 responses from children, teachers, and parents. This extensive research demonstrates a powerful alignment with the government’s Enrichment Framework published by the Department for Education. By directly linking accessible music education to measurable improvements in classroom confidence, social skills, and school attendance, we actively support schools to deliver an evidenced music programme focused on accessibility and meaningful outcomes.
Across all 11,279 voices in this year’s study, confidence emerged as our most profound outcome – reported by parents, teachers, and the children themselves. Parents of former Rocksteady pupils still describe this confidence as a permanent anchor for their children, continuing through secondary school and beyond.
For many children, Rocksteady is their first positive route into music. Two-thirds of parents told us that without Rocksteady in the school day, their child would be unlikely to learn music at all.i Getting that early experience right matters deeply, because the passion children develop in primary school stays with them. Former Rocksteady pupils are up to three times more likely to take Music GCSE than the national average, and of those who did, 77% of their parents say their Rocksteady experience influenced that decision.ii
For children with SEND, these breakthroughs can be life-altering. On an ordinary school day, only 39% of SEND children report feeling excited to attend school, compared to 58% of their peers. On a band lesson day, that excitement soars to 96%.iii In a Rocksteady band, every single child succeeds on equal terms, markedly shifting their relationship with school and helping to close the attainment gap.
Driven by our core ‘for profit, for good’ ethos, we are determined to leave no child behind. This mission has seen us deliver £13.96m worth of free music education – over £4m of which was in the last year alone, alongside running over 300 charity events. In 2025/26, 1.3 million pupils experienced the excitement of live performance through whole-school Rocksteady concerts.
This year also marked an historic milestone as we took the magic of Rocksteady to schools in Australia. It has been fantastic to see the programme take root so quickly, and I’m pleased to say the joy and excitement that comes from playing and performing in a Rocksteady band translates just as powerfully on the other side of the world!
Thank you to our schools, families, partners, and passionate team who drive this mission forward. Most of all, thank you to the children whose energy, determination, and voices fill every page of this report.
Scott Monks, CEO, Rocksteady Music School
Our 2026 research data comes from:
-
2,869 Children
-
629 Schools
-
6,849 Parents
-
871 Alumni Parents
-
61 Charities
About Rocksteady
Music education. Amplified.
Rocksteady Music School is the UK’s leading provider of band-based music programmes. Our team of passionate musicians bring fun and engaging band lessons into primary schools, with more than 160,000 children aged four to eleven taking part in weekly lessons in the last year alone.
Using a unique and proven child-centred pedagogy, every child can learn to play an instrument as part of a Rocksteady band. Weekly 30-minute rehearsals follow a curriculum of up to 300 musical skills, helping pupils grow musically while building confidence that transforms their learning. At the end of each term, they take to the stage to perform in front of their peers, family and teachers – providing meaningful moments where children are celebrated by their school community.
Rocksteady is designed to remove the barriers that can prevent children from accessing music education. Instruments and equipment are provided, lessons take place within the school day, and the exam-free, inclusive methodology ensures every child can participate, regardless of ability, background or additional needs.
This approach directly supports schools in meeting their Music Development Plan. With the DfE’s Enrichment Framework published in June 2026, and Ofsted considering enrichment as part of its Personal Development and Wellbeing evaluation area from September, Rocksteady gives schools tangible, ready-made evidence of a high-quality enrichment offer.
For thousands of children who face challenging circumstances or have SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) or SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs, Rocksteady’s bursary and match funded places provide the opportunity to take part in the programme for free. As the government works towards a more inclusive mainstream education system – as laid out in the 2026 Every Child Achieving and Thriving White Paper – Rocksteady’s band-based model, where children with SEND learn alongside their peers from their very first lesson, is a practical, meaningful way to deliver that inclusion through music.
88% of parents whose child has SEND and/or SEMH needs say Rocksteady’s inclusive teaching style works well for their child and 92% say it helps them feel like they belong and are part of a team.i That sense of belonging carries through to how they feel about school as a whole, with 88% telling us it has helped their child feel happier at school.i
Band lessons have made me more confident. I like making new friends and learning new things, and music is a great way to express myself.
My favourite thing about being part of a band is playing concerts with my bandmates. Playing music helps me feel really happy and proud of myself.
- 5.5 million hoursof music education were delivered in 2025/26 through in-school lessons, activities and free music workshops for charities.
- £4.62 millionworth of in-school bursary places, match funding and charity workshops was provided by the Rocksteady Foundation in 2025/26.
- 55,875 childrenachieved Rocksteady’s exam-free, Ofqual-regulated music qualification in 2025/26, more than Music GCSE and A Level combined.
- Over 4,600 schoolspartner with Rocksteady across England and Wales every week.
- 10,044 bursary placeswere awarded in the 2025/26 academic year to children with additional needs or those facing challenging circumstances.
- 1.3 million childrenattended a Rocksteady concert in the 2025/26 academic year.
Rocksteady Music School delivers fun and engaging music lessons for children across the country. Musical enrichment is crucial for development and it was amazing to see their confidence and talent grow.
Self-belief that transforms learning
First they play a song. Then they find their voice.
Self-belief is one of the most powerful foundations for learning – and one that music can uniquely foster. When children overcome barriers and are celebrated as part of a band, it changes how they see themselves. This is where the transformation of their learning begins.
Across every audience in our research, confidence scores higher than any other outcome. Pupils feel it. Their parents see it. Teachers notice it in the classroom. And years later, parents of former Rocksteady pupils still cite confidence as a lasting change in their child. And the longer children are on the programme, the more parents notice it: among parents whose child has attended up to ten lessons, 88% say Rocksteady has boosted their child’s confidence, rising to 93% at eleven to thirty lessons, and 96% beyond thirty.iv
Confidence is a core part of self-belief – it is the outward manifestation. But self-belief is the bigger outcome. It is built through trying, making mistakes safely and doing things that might not have seemed possible before. Week by week, through every Rocksteady lesson, every new skill and every song and concert, that’s exactly what happens.
For those with SEND or additional needs, and those who have faced the greatest challenges, the opportunity to succeed alongside their peers can be transformative.
The qualities children develop through learning in a Rocksteady band – listening, collaboration and self-expression – along with being given the space to safely make mistakes – carry directly into how they engage with learning across the rest of the curriculum. 74% of educators say Rocksteady pupils show increased willingness to take on more responsibility and new challenges.v
Termly concerts are the highlight of this journey – moments where children feel the support of their school community and see their parents’ pride reflected back at them. These shared celebrations help embed self-belief, resilience and teamwork that carry well beyond the band.
Band lessons have improved my confidence in doing activities in front of others. It helps me feel less frightened of trying out new things by making me less worried when I make mistakes or find things difficult.
I have found that seeing a child get up and perform on stage in front of hundreds of their peers is not only a huge confidence boost for that child, it can also sometimes reset the teacher’s understanding of the child. For example, if they don’t normally raise a hand to contribute in class, seeing their performance can dispel notions of shyness. Many of our Rocksteady children are among the quieter members of their classes, so performances help to show these children in a different light.
My two children attend Rocksteady, and it has helped them both to be more confident in themselves. My son, who has a diagnosis of ASD, struggled in social situations and would not perform in front of an audience – now with the great support of his band leader, he shines and is full of confidence.
- 98%of educators say Rocksteady boosts their pupils’ confidence and self-belief.v
- 93%of educators say Rocksteady helps pupils who were previously reluctant to perform become more willing to do so.v
- 76%of Rocksteady pupils say performing in termly concerts makes them feel proud.iii
- 74%of parents say Rocksteady supports their child’s progress at school.i
- 74%of educators say Rocksteady pupils show increased willingness to take on more responsibility and new challenges.v
Cearnaigh’s story
Cearnaigh, in Year 5, plays keyboard in his Rocksteady band. He’s been through some difficult times at school, but weekly lessons playing in a Rocksteady band, guided by his band leader, Billy, have made a real difference.
His mum, Rosee, who also works at Cearnaigh’s school, says, “Billy has boosted my son’s confidence in so many ways! He has taught him new skills, given him a voice, listens to him and encourages his individuality.” She adds, “He never pushes him too far out of his comfort zone but encourages him to do as much as he can. He always comes back from a lesson much happier, calmer and ready to learn.”
Rosee believes the end of term concerts are a real boost for Cearnaigh, as she explains, “I love seeing all the children being encouraged and supported by their school, with the children as their audience, cheering and joining in. This really boosts my son’s confidence and makes him almost a celebrity around the school!”
Teachers at the school even got to experience the impact of band lessons themselves after forming a staff band. Rosee was a part of this, and says, “The children absolutely loved it and so did we! We found skills we never knew we had!”
I love seeing all the children being encouraged and supported by their school, with the children as their audience, cheering and joining in. This really boosts my son’s confidence and makes him almost a celebrity around the school!
Where fun and progress meet
First they play for fun. Then they play with purpose.
Fun and progress sit at the core of Rocksteady’s pedagogy. When children have fun, they progress – and when they progress, they have more fun. This purpose-built, child-centred approach makes learning active, social and energising. Pupils feel the excitement of learning an instrument, contributing to their band and seeing progress build week by week.
For many, Rocksteady is their first experience of learning an instrument – and it’s intentionally designed to be a great one. Band leaders are highly trained musicians who teach through demonstration over explanation. This keeps every lesson practical, inclusive and fun, whilst ensuring children learn new skills each week. With pressure-free progression rooted in playing and making music together, pupils stay focused on enjoyment, creativity and collaboration.
But learning with Rocksteady is about more than playing an instrument. From their very first lesson, children play together as a band, developing timing, listening and synchronisation alongside instrumental technique and performance skills. It is a distinctly social musical experience, where making music together from day one is active, fun and engaging, building the core foundations for playing with others.
Children often don’t realise how much they’re achieving until they’re standing on a stage at the end of term, performing with their bandmates in front of their school and their families. For teachers and school leaders, it’s often the moment they see pupils who may struggle elsewhere in the curriculum come to life – focused, confident and genuinely proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Children tell us that fun and progress matter most. When asked what they like about Rocksteady, these were the three most selected responses:
Music Performance in Bands: A qualification built around every child
Through a unique partnership with Trinity College London, Rocksteady has redesigned accreditation and continual music assessment for four to eleven year olds, creating an exam-free, inclusive model that enables every pupil to achieve an Ofqual-regulated qualification, captured through world-class proprietary technology.
Progress is tracked through a structured curriculum of up to 300 musical skills. Children progress at their own rate, and because that progression is pressure-free and rooted in fun, with no feeling of being monitored, pupils stay focused on what matters most: enjoyment, creativity and collaboration. Once enough skills are achieved, pupils automatically receive their qualification, giving families the chance to share in and celebrate their child’s achievement.
The result is a positive learning environment where every child thrives – not just those who excel in traditional academic settings. For children at risk of being defined by a challenging start in life, this formal achievement does something quietly powerful. It highlights their potential, both to themselves and to those around them.
For pupils coming to the end of their primary school journey, the self-belief built through achieving a formally recognised qualification gives them the confidence to take part in opportunities and navigate change with greater ease. It is something they carry with them.
Rocksteady pupils achieved a combined total of 2.9 million instrument, band and performance skills in the 2025/26 academic year alone.
55,875 children achieved Rocksteady’s exam-free qualification in the last academic year.
My son has been doing Rocksteady since Year 1 and is now in Year 3. He loves the variety of instruments offered and we as parents love the fact that the children work towards a qualification.
We have a formal music curriculum, and Rocksteady integrates seamlessly into this because it offers something different. The Music Performance in Bands qualification has really helped the children and their families to see how they’re progressing. There’s not the pressure you get in other music exams, therefore it’s accessible to all our children.
I doubt Sonny would ever have considered learning a musical instrument if it wasn’t for Rocksteady. He really enjoys the band element and I think music really lends itself to exam-free qualifications!
Every child belongs
First they find their place in the band. Then they find their place at school.
Not every child finds their place easily at school. For those who haven’t, being part of a Rocksteady band can change that.
Rocksteady’s weekly, in-school lessons are designed so any child, regardless of musical experience, can pick up an instrument, join the band and play from their very first lesson. Children are free to make mistakes and grow alongside their peers. But belonging to a band is just the starting point – through the shared experience of playing together, many find a stronger sense of belonging at school itself, and friendships beyond their usual social circles.
For children who struggle with attendance, this sense of belonging at school drives higher motivation to be there. For schools working to reduce absence rates, improve inclusion, and strengthen pupil wellbeing, Rocksteady provides a practical way to address all three.
Levelling the playing field for children with SEND
2025 research from #BeeWell shows that children with SEND report lower school belonging than those without SEND.vi Our own research with more than 2,800 Rocksteady children tells the same story – with SEND pupils reporting they feel less excited about being at school than their peers.
Of children with SEND, only 39% reported feeling excited for school on a normal day (compared to 58% of children without SEND). However, this excitement rises to 96% on Rocksteady days, almost equalling their peers on 97%.iii This parity shows what inclusive music education can do: not just for enjoyment, but for closing the gap in how children with SEND feel about being at school.
When children with SEND are welcomed into a band on the same terms as their peers – no auditions, no prior experience, no barriers – the experience of school changes for them. Educators see it too: 84% of school staff say Rocksteady supports pupils with SEND and SEMH needs in ways other activities do not, and 95% say it boosts the confidence of pupils with additional needs.v
The jump in excitement on Rocksteady days highlights how the opportunity to take part in child-centred band lessons can change the dynamic of school, motivating children to attend and engage.
This strongly triangulates with educators and parents: 7 in 10 parents and school staff say being on the Rocksteady programme makes a difference to the attendance of children who were struggling to attend.v,i
One pupil, who struggles with attendance, has 100% attendance on Rocksteady days.
One particular child on our SEND register had been really struggling to engage with school. This child loves coming to school on Wednesdays because they can do Rocksteady. They are also Pupil Premium, so to have an opportunity like this has been amazing for them and their family. They now want to be a musician and have a drive, where before they were not sure of the point in ‘learning’.
He had no confidence and at his first ever concert he was so nervous to get on stage, but by the following year he was up and introducing his band and commanding the audience. Seeing my son grow and want to perform was the best thing for me as a SEND parent.
Rocksteady is his absolute favourite time of the week, he can’t get into school quickly enough on a Monday morning!
From bandmates to best mates
Music has always been a place where children and young people find their tribe – and through the shared experience of making music together in a Rocksteady band, listening to each other, depending on each other and working towards something shared, individuals become a collective. It’s a safe space where mistakes are part of the process, where children support each other through every step, and where new and lasting friendships are formed.
It’s not just about individual music lessons, it’s about learning to collaborate, support bandmates, and work toward a shared goal. My child has made new friends and learned valuable lessons about listening to others and playing as a team.
Schools and parents see this clearly in their child’s Rocksteady experience:
- 87%of parents say Rocksteady helps their child feel like they belong and are part of a team.i
- 92%of school staff say Rocksteady helps children work better as part of a team.v
The children themselves reflect it most powerfully:
My favourite thing about being part of a band is being able to show off my talents and listen to others without having any judgement. I have made a whole lot of new friends from my band and other bands.
Beyond the band
First they join a band. Then music becomes part of who they are.
This year we heard from more than 850 parents of former Rocksteady pupils who are now in secondary school. What they told us paints a clear picture – a new generation still engaged with music, carrying the confidence, skills and passion they discovered in their Rocksteady band into the next chapter.
Inspiring the next generation of musicians
Rocksteady alumni are up to three times more likely to take Music GCSE than the national average.ii
Rocksteady pupils are bucking the trend of declining entries in GCSE Music. Our research shows between 14%–20% of former Rocksteady pupils go on to take Music GCSE – compared to roughly 6% nationally. And of those who did, 77% of their parents say their Rocksteady experience influenced that decision.ii
With Music GCSE entries down 27% since 2010vii, inspiring a new generation to develop a lasting passion for music could be key to igniting enthusiasm and engagement with the subject.
It has encouraged parents who may usually be busy with work to take half an hour off to come and see their child perform. It really makes the children’s days and seeing their faces light up because their parents have made the effort and are really impressed by what they are seeing.
Gabriel’s story
Former Rocksteady pupil, Gabriel, always had a love for music, but through his Rocksteady band lessons in primary school, this turned into a passion.
His mum, Claire, says, “Gabriel always loved Rocksteady and he looked forward to it every week. It gave him aspirations for the future to keep playing and even be a rock star. Band lessons gave him the confidence, at just six years old, to stand on a stage in front of his whole primary school and parents, to showcase what the group had been learning. He believed from very early on that he could play guitar, and his passion was born.”
Gabriel continued his love for music in secondary school by taking one-to-one guitar lessons and is now getting ready to start his grades, as well as choosing music as one of his GCSE subjects. Claire says, “It really is in his blood and such a big part of the amazing young man that he has become.”
Gabriel always loved Rocksteady and he looked forward to it every week. It gave him aspirations for the future to keep playing and even be a rock star.
Supporting the transition to secondary school
When children discover a passion for music in primary school, they tend to carry it with them – music becoming an instant connector in secondary school, helping pupils form new friendships through a shared love for the subject. It becomes part of who they are and how they see themselves. By fostering stronger social bonds through shared interests, boosting confidence and building resilience, learning and performing in a Rocksteady band supports a more positive and successful transition to secondary.
Among parents of Rocksteady alumni children, 37% said their child’s Rocksteady experience helped them transition more easily to secondary school.ii
Of those parents who say Rocksteady helped that transition, 78% point to confidence and self-belief, 65% to a willingness to speak up or perform in front of others, and 61% to the experience of working in a team.ii
Bringing families into school
Through regular whole-school performances, families are invited into school to share joyful moments and celebrate their child’s progress, which leads to strengthened feelings of engagement with school. 95% of parents whose child has performed in a Rocksteady concert have attended at least one, and 74% of those said it made them feel more connected to their child’s school.i
This is echoed by school staff, with 72% of educators saying Rocksteady improves parental engagement in their school.v
These shared moments of celebration don’t just strengthen the relationship between families and school; they have a direct impact on children too. When parents show up and share in their child’s achievement, children feel it. 68% of pupils say that making their family proud is one of the things that makes them feel proud at Rocksteadyiii – a ripple effect that reaches well beyond the concert hall and into how children feel about themselves and their place in the school community.
The concerts are such a magical experience where you truly feel part of something bigger. The atmosphere is one of a kind and allows children to showcase their strengths and passion. It also makes school feel like such a fun environment and exactly what primary school should be about. Having this be a part of school life really makes children and parents feel part of a school community.
Meet former Rocksteady pupil, Katie Blaze!
Bass player Katie is in Year 11. She started Rocksteady in Year 1, and now performs live with her own band. She is studying GCSE Music, and plans to continue music at college.
- What’s your favourite memory from your Rocksteady experience?
- My favourite memory is definitely the concerts. I really enjoyed being looked up to by other students and feeling like I was a famous celebrity!
- Did being part of a band change how you felt about music? And if so, how?
- Definitely! I think that without Rocksteady I wouldn’t have found my passion for music because I don’t really feel like I fit into many other things like Science or History – so I’m glad I found somewhere I can be myself.
- Did Rocksteady give you any skills or confidence that you’ve carried with you since leaving primary school?
- I’m generally a nervous person, so Rocksteady really helped me learn that being nervous at concerts (for example) is normal, but if you get up on stage and perform, you feel very accomplished after.
Succeeding together
The power of collaboration
Widening access to music education is only made possible through the partnerships and collaboration of the schools and organisations we work with.
At the core of everything we do are the 4,600 schools we partner with. Every school has a dedicated account manager, building the relationships that ensure Rocksteady works for each individual setting, week after week. Now working alongside 870 Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), Rocksteady delivers band lessons in over 2,600 of their governed schools. These partnerships reflect a growing recognition of how valuable the programme is for schools’ strategic enrichment goals – aligning with core priorities such as attendance, inclusion and engagement.
This year, Rocksteady has also partnered with 19 Hub Lead Organisations (HLOs) and music services across the UK, providing free teaching capacity and helping them reach schools and young people they had not been able to before.
Across the wider education landscape, we partner with organisations that share our commitment to ensuring music reaches as many children as possible. We are working with the Centre for Young Lives to champion the impact that music education has on children’s lives, and with UK Music to strengthen the link between academia and the industry through its Music Academic Partnership programme.
Over the past decade, 882 charities have partnered with us to deliver free music events and workshops, ensuring some of the most disadvantaged children in society and those facing challenging circumstances experience the joy of playing music.
A trusted partner for schools
17 schools within The Crofty Education Trust have Rocksteady lessons as a regular part of their school week. Louise Figgins, the Trust’s Music Lead and Assistant Headteacher at Porthleven School, shares the difference the Rocksteady programme has made for pupils across the MAT.
“As Music Lead across Crofty Trust, we are committed to ensuring that every child has access to musical enrichment that builds confidence, nurtures creativity and strengthens engagement in learning. Rocksteady has become a key part of this, offering an inclusive, high-impact musical pathway that genuinely resonates with our pupils and reflects our values.
“Porthleven School has provided some of the clearest evidence of the difference Rocksteady makes. Staff have seen a huge impact on Pupil Premium and SEN pupils, many of whom had previously found confidence, participation or sustained engagement challenging. Rocksteady’s band-based model, built on teamwork, accessibility and immediate success, has enabled these pupils to flourish.
“Teachers describe pupils who rarely volunteered for extra activities now arriving at school with excitement on Rocksteady days, fully engaged and ready to contribute. It has become a safe, structured space where children can express themselves and experience achievement without pressure.
“It also complements our curriculum music offer beautifully, giving pupils real-world performance experiences that build resilience, collaboration and pride.”
These stories are echoed across other schools in the Trust, reinforcing just how valuable Rocksteady is for our children. Rocksteady now sits firmly within our enrichment strategy, supporting our mission to ensure every child experiences opportunities that inspire, uplift and unlock their potential.
2025/26 Awards
The partnerships we have built with schools, families and organisations across the industry are what make this impact possible.
- EdTechX Award Winner recognised for our proprietary technology and its impact on formal education in the UK.
- Named in the Financial Times FT 1000 list of Europe’s fastest-growing companies.
- Highly Commended in the ‘Wellbeing Resource or Support of the Year’ category at the Education Today Awards December 2025.
- Finalist, ITV Growth Accelerator Award as part of The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards. Winners to be announced November 2026.
- EY Entrepreneur of the Year, Social Impact – awarded to Rocksteady’s CEO, Scott Monks.
This is a great opportunity: playing in front of an audience is a completely different experience from practising an instrument on your own. It builds confidence, and the band leaders were instilling positivity into students at every turn.
Rocksteady gives children the chance to experience what it is like to be part of a band, learning instruments, performing together, building friendships and developing confidence and skills that go well beyond music. It was a great example of the positive impact that music can have in schools and on young people’s confidence.
We are members of
The leading employer of musicians
A full-time career for musicians
Rocksteady is the UK’s largest employer of full-time, permanent musicians – people who have chosen to build a career inspiring children through music.
Every one of our band leaders uses their talents to make the world a little better for the children they teach. By delivering music lessons in a way that’s both fun and accessible, our band leaders can help enhance children’s enjoyment of school and give them the self-belief to succeed.
Rocksteady creates a unique opportunity for professional musicians in an industry where full-time roles can be hard to find, and we’re proud to offer so many skilled individuals a stable career within a like-minded community. By sharing their passion, our band leaders are helping to shape children’s futures through inclusive music education.
With more than 4,600 partner schools across England and Wales, Rocksteady is a national organisation with a local presence. Many of our band leaders grew up in the towns they teach in, attended the schools they now visit every week and understand the communities they serve. They know the children they’re teaching, the context they’re learning in and what it takes to inspire them.
Teachers, parents and the children themselves tell us their band leaders are hugely important, not just as music teachers, but role models who guide children through their musical journey.
“Our Rocksteady band leader has been a brilliant teacher, mentor and role model for my child. He has ignited an interest and passion for music, as well as developed my child’s confidence.” Nicholas, Rocksteady parent.
Everyone here is just incredible and really cares about empowering children. Everyone’s pulling in the same direction and it just feels like a force for good. I can’t see myself ever leaving Rocksteady – this is easily the best job I’ve ever had.
You feel like you’ve helped children learn skills they’re able to enjoy for the rest of their life. Sometimes you’ve just helped someone go from being a very quiet person, to someone who’s now confident on stage. Every day there’s a moment where you feel ‘I’ve done something good here’.
The main thing for me is how rewarding it is to see those children shine on stage at the end of each term.
Michael’s story
Michael has loved music for as long as he can remember and was hooked from the moment he started playing guitar.
He went on to teach at a primary school that partnered with Rocksteady and loved seeing the confidence children gained from performing. When it came time for a career change, Rocksteady was the first place he thought of and describes it as, “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Michael explained, “One of the best parts of teaching with Rocksteady is seeing the children’s confidence grow and how their enthusiasm for music spreads beyond the lessons. Whether it’s discovering new bands or simply going home excited to tell their family what they’ve learnt – it’s wonderful to know that the spark continues outside the classroom.”
When looking back at his favourite moments as a band leader, Michael shared, “A story that will always stay with me involved a child with selective mutism. Over time, we built their confidence until they stood up and sang in front of the whole school. Teachers said they’d never heard them speak before, and seeing the pride on their parents’ faces was incredibly moving.”
“Moments like this remind me that Rocksteady isn’t just about teaching music. It’s about creating opportunities and helping children discover things about themselves that they never thought were possible.”
…Rocksteady isn’t just about teaching music. It’s about creating opportunities and helping children discover things about themselves that they never thought were possible.
My confidence has grown so much in this company, I’m doing things I would never have done before – I wouldn’t sing in public but I’ve joined this company and I’m now gigging weekly, it’s incredible. Not just for the kids, but for your personal development as well.
Governance, sustainability and social impact
Impact at the heart of everything we do
Rocksteady believes business should be a force for good. This shapes how we think and how we grow. It’s the foundational force behind our environmental, social and governance commitments. We know that our work is inherently a driver of positive impact, creating life-changing outcomes that extend far beyond traditional metrics.
Our commitment to sustainability spans three key pillars:
- Social impact
- Environmental responsibility
- Strong governance
Social impact
This report evidences Rocksteady’s social impact – and that extends to our own team.
We are committed to gender pay equality and transparent reporting, and our 2025 figures reflect notable, positive outcomes for women. Our gender pay gap outperforms the UK average, with women’s mean hourly pay 14.6% higher than men’s (vs. the national picture of women earning 12.8% lessix). Women are well represented in bonus pay (67% vs. 64% of men), reflecting our commitment to equal pay for equivalent roles. Women also make up 43% of Rocksteady’s board.
Rocksteady’s latest staff engagement survey recorded an outstanding score of 84%, and 77% of staff believe meaningful action is taken in response to feedback.viii One example is our newly launched Motor Costs Scheme, easing the financial strain of rising vehicle running costs for staff.
We have also expanded our long-service awards to recognise milestones from two through to ten years, celebrating loyalty throughout more of an employee’s journey.
Environmental responsibility
As part of our ongoing decarbonisation plan, we are:
- Minimising our carbon intensity through every decision.
- Offsetting 100% of emissions.
- Preparing for and embracing the transition to zero-emission transport.
This academic year, we made a significant change to our area model, reducing the maximum travel time between the centre of each band leader’s area and the schools they teach in. For many of our band leaders, this means shorter commutes, less time on the road and more time in schools doing what matters most.
Strong governance
As the UK’s largest provider of in-school band programmes, working in more than 4,600 schools, the responsibility of storing and protecting data is something we take seriously. Keeping that information safe isn’t just a technical responsibility. It’s part of the trust that customers place in Rocksteady.
Over the past year, we have developed a full suite of information security policies that covers how information is handled across the business, supported by a central Policy Library every member of staff can access, a formal risk register and review process, and an internal audit process and clear accountability for who owns what. A dedicated team own this work day to day.
This year we also completed an independent benchmark assessment against the ISO 27001 international standard, examining everything from how we recruit and train people to how our buildings are secured. It resulted in a plan of 110 actions, each owned by a named person. Much of this work involves formalising practices already in place, documenting how we do things so they happen consistently and aren’t dependent on any one person. The certification is important, but building a business that seamlessly operates this way is the longer-term goal.
Rocksteady’s mission is to amplify children’s self-belief through inclusive music education and remove barriers so that no child is left behind. The families and schools who trust us to do that also trust us with their personal information. This year we began the process of ISO 27001 certification, an international standard which will examine everything from how we recruit to how our systems are built. As we grow, so does our responsibility – and we are committed to ensuring our governance keeps pace with both our size and ambition.
A decade of the Rocksteady Foundation
For a decade, the Rocksteady Foundation has been at the heart of our ‘for profit, for good’ ethos. It’s how we take our commercial model and turn it into millions of pounds in free music education for some of the most disadvantaged children in the country, and those experiencing difficult life circumstances.
We truly believe music has the power to help children face some of their biggest challenges, while offering the opportunity for creative expression and self-discovery. Ten years since the Foundation launched, it’s this belief that still drives Rocksteady’s team – who’ve turned it into reality for tens of thousands of children and young people nationwide.
The Foundation delivers free teaching in two ways:
- Working with hundreds of charities and support groups to provide free workshops and music experiences.
- Partnering with schools to support thousands of children through bursaries and match funding.
The Foundation is an incredibly special part of what we do – and means a great deal to every member of staff at Rocksteady. It started with a single event I ran at a children’s hospice in 2016, and watching it grow since then to reach tens of thousands of children and young people has been truly humbling. We are committed to increasing the reach of the Foundation alongside the growth of the business, with a mission to remove barriers to music education for as many children as possible.
Watching one child throughout the last four years who has benefitted from a bursary place has been a real highlight. Rocksteady helped him gain self-confidence and build self-esteem, not to mention all the musical and academic benefits of being part of a band.
The Rocksteady Foundation – A decade in numbers
- £13.96 millionTotal value of charity workshops, in-school bursaries and match funding given since the launch of the Rocksteady Foundation in 2016.
- 57,000Total reach through free bursary places and charity events since 2016.
Working with charities and support groups
- 882 different charitieshave partnered with Rocksteady to run free events, workshops and performances.
- £2.04 millionTotal value of free charity events since the Foundation launched.
School bursaries and match funding
- £11.9 millionTotal value of free teaching provided through in-school bursary and match funded places since 2016.
- 32,600Number of bursary places awarded since the 2016/17 academic year to primary school children who would not normally have access to Rocksteady lessons.
Partnering with charities and support groups
Since the very first Foundation event in 2016, 882 charities and support groups have partnered with Rocksteady to bring free music experiences to the children and young people they support.
Our team of musicians and office staff deliver free workshops and events across a range of settings, including hospices, hospital wards, sessions with young refugees, and family days in prisons. From tiny sparks of self-belief to life-changing moments that left whole rooms speechless – these events are proof that whether the impact is small or profound, music is one of the most powerful ways to reach children, regardless of their situation.
This year, we invited some of those charities and support groups to tell us about the impact these sessions had.
Organisations reported a clear and consistent impact on the participants they worked with:
- 77%of organisations witnessed a breakthrough moment they had never seen before.x
- 93%noticed participants attempting something they wouldn’t normally try.x
- 87%noticed participants feeling included or forming new connections.x
- 90%noticed a quiet participant choose to share or perform.x
- 95%noticed participants showing more confidence.x
Foundation event highlights from the last decade:
- 2016/17Routes FestivalRocksteady staff run Foundation workshops in Belgium to help to support refugee children.
- 2018Radio 1 Young Carers eventRocksteady supports BBC Radio 1 in putting on a Christmas party for 100 Young Carers.
- 2019Expanding our ReachThe Foundation expands to working in hospital wards and, alongside Barnardo’s, supports family days in prisons.
- 2020Free online lessonsFree online music lessons for children at home during Covid-19.
- 2021Just PLAY with Foo FightersRocksteady teams up with legendary rock band Foo Fighters for a day of free musical workshops nationwide.
- 2022100 Foundation events!100 Foundation events nationally reaching over 2,000 children through workshops.
- 20233,000 children reachedOver 3,000 children take part in a Foundation session in a single year.
- 2024Music MAP awardFoundation champion Katie-Louise Biginton wins ‘Outstanding contribution to engagement through music’.
- 20255,000 children reachedOver 5,000 children attend a Foundation event in the year.
- 2026A record-breaking year!7,093 children reached across 305 events, with 377 staff members taking part.
The day gave the children a safe and inclusive way to access music, regardless of their communication needs or individual differences. Their faces lit up with curiosity and joy, and it was clear how meaningful the experience was for them. Those moments of connection and happiness through music were truly special.
The music lifted the spirits of children, parents and staff alike. Some young people rediscovered their love for music that had been overshadowed by illness, while many others tried playing instruments for the first time and were keen to take up lessons when they got home.
The Royal Marsden Hospital Schoolroom
Bringing musical experiences to hospitals is always special, and a 2026 Foundation event at The Royal Marsden Hospital Schoolroom was no different, with some unforgettable moments for everyone involved.
The Royal Marsden Schoolroom provides a safe and nurturing learning environment for all children and young people receiving treatment at the hospital. James, a teacher in the hospital’s Schoolroom, said, “The Rocksteady session created a wonderful buzz around the ward on the day – lifting the spirits of not only the patients, but their parents, nurses and other hospital staff who passed by. It also gave many of them a breakthrough positive experience which has made them more likely to engage with us as a school team going forward.”
James recalled one particular standout moment, “A pupil who finds it hard to communicate, and is very particular about which activities he engages with, decided to try the drums. With the careful encouragement and tuition of the musicians, he made amazing progress and has now taken on the drums as his instrument. He has kept this up and his success here is a constant source of pride for him and his mum.”
The impact of this session has gone far beyond just one experience, as James explains that many young people have shown a continued musical interest: “Pupils who were involved in the Rocksteady session have been markedly more keen to engage with other music sessions – some remembering their parts and wanting to go back and play the song they practised with Rocksteady.”
It’s a powerful reminder of the joy and comfort making music together can bring for both children and families navigating some of life’s hardest moments.
Supporting children through bursaries and match funding in schools
Through the Rocksteady Foundation, we provide thousands of free in-school bursary places and ensure every school-funded pupil place is matched by an additional, cost-free place, giving even more children the chance to experience music regardless of their circumstances.
These flexible, match funded and free music lessons are aimed at the children at risk of missing out – including those with SEND, SEMH needs or additional behavioural needs.
For those who find it harder to engage elsewhere in the curriculum, music offers a powerful way into school life and a chance to discover what they’re truly capable of. That’s why every child, including those attending through a bursary or match funded place, has access to the same exam-free, Ofqual-regulated music qualification, accredited by Trinity College London. For many, this is one of the first formal qualifications they receive at school.
More than 3,800 children on a free place achieved Rocksteady’s Music Performance in Bands qualification in 2025/26.
These bursary places open access to music for children – but the benefits extend to schools too. For children who can be harder to reach through traditional support, music offers another way in, helping improve attendance, build a stronger sense of belonging, and strengthen engagement with parents.
In summer 2026, we heard from more than 1,000 parents of children taking part in Rocksteady through a bursary or match funded place, to better understand the impact this has on their experience of school:
- 91%of bursary place parents say Rocksteady helps their child feel included and that they belong.i
- 68%of bursary place parents say Rocksteady has helped reduce their child’s anxiety about school or social situations.i
- 22%of bursary place parents say their child struggles with school attendance.i
- 74%of those said Rocksteady has made a positive difference to their child’s motivation to attend school.i
It’s something he can do with his peers on the same level, which is so crucial for a child who is delayed in other areas of development.
My child’s attendance dropped to below 60% before Rocksteady, but now she wants to be at school with no arguments and no refusing to go. It has helped her in so many ways – she now has a passion for music and wants to be a singer.
Aleksander’s story
11-year-old Aleksander joined Rocksteady through a bursary place in January 2025, playing the keyboard in his Rocksteady band, The Electric Mushrooms. Since joining, he’s become noticeably more confident and enthusiastic about music, both in and out of school.
His mum, Agnieszka, says, “We have seen a noticeable increase in his confidence and enthusiasm since starting Rocksteady lessons. He looks forward to the sessions each week, and being part of a band has helped develop teamwork, listening skills, and resilience, while giving him a real sense of achievement.”
Teachers at school have noticed the difference as well, as Agnieszka explains, “His teacher mentioned positive changes in confidence, participation, and enthusiasm for learning since joining Rocksteady. They have noticed that he seems more engaged in class and enjoys taking part in activities with his peers.”
The end of term concerts have also brought the family into Aleksander’s Rocksteady journey: “The concerts have made us feel more involved in school life by giving us the chance to see our child perform and celebrate his progress. They are enjoyable community events that help us connect with the school and appreciate the opportunities being provided to the children.”
“Rocksteady has been a fantastic experience for Aleksander. It has helped build confidence, encouraged a love of music, and given him opportunities to perform and work as part of a team.”
We gave a child in Year 6 the bursary place and she was able to learn more about her own identity and where she fits in the world. Another child, who finds school difficult, was able to feel success and talent in his musical skills which in turn helped him gain confidence elsewhere.
Rocksteady has been a fantastic experience for Aleksander. It has helped build confidence, encouraged a love of music, and given him opportunities to perform and work as part of a team.
Looking forward
Improving lives through music
Rocksteady will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that no child is left behind. Thanks to the passion and commitment of our team, alongside strong partnerships with schools, parents and charities, we deliver transformational outcomes built on a strong track record of success.
Our ambition is to enable even more young people, including those who are disadvantaged or have SEND and SEMH needs, to benefit from music, and our continued growth will also create more full-time, permanent jobs for musicians and those pursuing careers in education and the creative industries.
As the profile of enrichment increases, we will continue to support our brilliant partner schools to demonstrate their inclusive enrichment offer and its benefits to the whole school community, including increasing parental engagement, attendance and fostering a sense of belonging at school through music.
Rocksteady’s presence in Australia continues to grow, bringing the benefits of our unique approach to children on the other side of the globe. Alongside our school programme, we are also already working with Australian charities to deliver free music education and workshops to more children.
Our work with the wider sector will continue to champion the impact that inclusive music education has on children’s lives, ensuring it is recognised, valued and prioritised.
Through a music education approach that celebrates individuality, creativity, progress and fun, every child should leave school equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed, and, crucially, the belief that they can.
As my child only arrived in England last year and has been speaking English for just one year, this has been an incredible opportunity for him to express himself and build confidence. It has helped him feel like a valued member of a team and shown him that his contributions matter.
Every child I’ve seen join Rocksteady has benefitted greatly from it. The team building, the resilience and the confidence it gives them is priceless.
Sources
- Rocksteady Parents Survey 2026Back to text:12345678910111213
- Rocksteady Alumni Parents Survey 2026Back to text:12345678
- Rocksteady Child’s Voice Survey 2026Back to text:1234567891011121314
- Rocksteady Parents Pulse Survey 2026Back to text:1
- Rocksteady Schools Survey 2026Back to text:1234567891011
- Evidence Briefing: School Belonging. #BeeWell (2025)Back to text:1
- GCSE results: music entries fall Independent Society of Musicians (2026)Back to text:1
- Rocksteady Staff Engagement Survey 2025Back to text:12
- Office for National Statistics (ONS), Gender pay gap in the UK: 2025Back to text:1
- Rocksteady Foundation Partner Survey 2026Back to text:12345