Supporting whole-class music across your area –
from Early Years to KS5 and SEND, Ofsted-aligned.
Drums for Schools provides Music Hubs and Music Services with a proven, inclusive approach to whole-class music delivery. Our class sets and teaching resources cover the full curriculum range, support non-specialist teachers, and give every school in your area the tools to make music outstanding.
Full Curriculum Range
One supplier, complete coverage. Our instruments and resources span Early Years through KS5 and SEND – so every school in your area is supported from a single trusted source.
Outstanding Value
Class sets start from just £317 and will last for years. The same set can serve every class and year group, making it one of the best-value investments a school – or a Hub – can make.
Empowers Non-Specialists
Designed to be taught by class teachers with no music training. Hubs can deliver CPD confidence quickly, knowing that teachers are supported every step of the way by our resources.
Ofsted-Aligned
Meets the Model Music Curriculum and Ofsted's expectations for breadth, diversity and progression. Show-stopping results from the end of the very first term.
One supplier covers the whole curriculum
Whether you're supporting Early Years settings, Primary, Secondary, or SEND provision, Drums for Schools has the instruments, teaching resources and guidance your schools need. Our sets are designed to work together as a coherent programme across the full age range.
Early Years
Tactile, accessible percussion for EYFS settings. Instruments that encourage exploration, co-ordination and listening skills from the very earliest age.
Primary KS1–2
World music class sets that non-specialist class teachers can deliver confidently. Covers the national curriculum with enough material for 5+ years of progression.
Secondary KS3–5
Ensemble drumming programmes that engage secondary pupils, develop teamwork and musicianship, and deliver rich curriculum breadth across diverse cultural styles.
SEND
Naturally inclusive instruments and SEND-specific resources. Our approach works for all abilities and backgrounds, and has a proven impact on wellbeing and life skills.
How Music Hubs work with us
Whether you're advising schools on procurement, supplying sets centrally, or delivering CPD across your area, we make it straightforward. Our team is used to working with Hubs and Music Services, and can tailor our support to the way you operate.
Advise
Use our Buyers Guide and resources to inform schools about what's available and how it fits their curriculum needs. We'll support you with materials and pricing.
Request Buyers GuideSupply
Order centrally for your schools or direct to each school. We can deliver across your area, and are happy to discuss volume pricing and purchase order arrangements.
Get a quoteSupport
Our teaching resources include Schemes of Work, Lesson Plans, Video and Audio clips, and SEND guidance – everything teachers need to deliver with confidence, without specialist training.
View resourcesGrow
Once schools experience the impact, they naturally want to build on it. Add new musical styles year on year and develop a rich, progressive music programme across your entire area.
Our approachThe approach works because . . .
The styles are intuitive and fun
The musical styles are drawn from cultures across the globe where music is learned by ear, in a group, and by playing along. There's no music theory, no notation, and the emphasis is on enjoyment and togetherness. It engages every pupil from day one – which means better outcomes for schools, and stronger evidence of impact for Hubs.
The instruments are easy to play
The instruments are "pick-up-and-play" and give immediate musical satisfaction. They're suitable for SEND settings and even the youngest Primary pupils will quickly be able to play their part. Schools don't need visiting specialists – class teachers can lead the lessons themselves.
It’s easy for non-specialists to teach
Hubs can confidently recommend these sets knowing that the school doesn't need specialist music staff to deliver them. Teaching guides, Schemes of Work, Lesson Plans, Video and Audio clips – everything is provided and designed for non-musicians. A short CPD session is all most teachers need to get going.
It’s affordable for schools
30-player World Percussion class sets start at just £317, West African Drumming from £695. The same set can be used with every class and year group, so the cost can be as little as £1 per pupil. That makes it easy for schools to say yes – and easy for Hubs to recommend with confidence.
It boosts wellbeing and life skills
The BIG added benefit – learning these musical styles collaboratively results in a rapid increase in togetherness and wellbeing. Social, emotional and physical skills are developed naturally, giving Hubs strong evidence of wider impact beyond the music curriculum.
Supports your schools across every priority
Whole-class delivery EY through KS5 and SEND
A complete range of sets and resources across every key stage. One supplier, consistent approach, compatible resources – making your Hub's offer coherent and credible.
Designed for non-specialist teachers
Our teaching resources are created for class teachers with no prior music experience. Hubs can roll out programmes across many schools without needing to staff every session.
Meets the Model Music Curriculum
Breadth, diversity, cultural context and progression are built into every set. Schools can demonstrate strong music provision to Ofsted with confidence.
Intrinsically inclusive
The instruments and approach are accessible to all ages and abilities, including SEND settings. It's the same inclusive philosophy that underpins our entire product range.
Builds teacher confidence and self-sufficiency
Once teachers have done a term with our resources, they don't need ongoing specialist support – they're equipped to keep going. That's great for Hub capacity and school sustainability.
Outstanding value for limited budgets
Sets start from £317 and last for years. Volume pricing is available for Hubs making larger orders. There really isn't a better use of a school's music budget.
Making a difference across thousands of schools
Drums for Schools sets and resources are used by Music Hubs and Services across the UK, helping specialist and non-specialist teachers alike to include, empower and transform their pupils through the power of group music-making.
The DFS approach is completely different
Inclusive
Based on accessible world music styles and instruments that anyone can play. The approach works across all abilities and key stages, making it ideal for area-wide Hub programmes.
Engaging
The instruments are "pick-up-and-play" and the approach is intuitive and fun, so ALL pupils and teachers are engaged from day one – regardless of musical experience.
Collaborative
Unlike one-to-many teaching, everyone learns together. It upskills class teachers while they teach, building self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on specialist hub staff.
Fast-Acting
Schools see visible results within a single term. That makes it easy to evidence impact, whether for Ofsted, DfE reporting, or your Hub's own stakeholders.
Progressive
Each class set includes resources for 5–6 terms of learning. Adding musical styles extends this to 7+ years, giving schools a long-term music programme from a single investment.
Transformative
By developing social, emotional and life skills, the approach empowers individuals and transforms schools. This broader impact strengthens the case for any Hub's music programme.
Cost-Effective
One set serves all year groups, so the per-pupil cost is tiny. Volume pricing is available for Hubs. It’s the strongest return on investment in the music education market.
Ticks the boxes
Model Music Curriculum coverage, cultural diversity, progression, SEND accessibility – all built in. Schools and Hubs can demonstrate outstanding music provision with confidence.
And it’s all backed by Drums for Schools, a completely different kind of supplier
We’re a small, family firm and our speciality and focus is inclusive whole-class and group music making. We work closely with Hubs and Music Services and understand the challenges you face. Our mission is to make the power of music available to everyone.
Ready to take things further?
Browse the range
Browse our full range of whole-class music sets – from Early Years through to KS5 and SEND. Sets for groups of 5 to 30 players, with full teaching support included.
Request a Buyers Guide
Download our Hubs Buyers Guide \u2013 a pack of insights, product information and articles to help you recommend and procure with confidence.
Talk it through
Book a chat with our founder, Andy Gwatkin. He'll be happy to discuss your Hub's specific needs and how we can support your area's music programme.
