SFE Conferences
A word from our Chief Executive, Sharon Bell
We have enjoyed a brilliant year with some outstanding achievements. My best memories include the smiles of delighted school children as they come together to make music, the positive response from schools and their staff to our training courses – and the joy we witness in the community when supporting adults facing challenges and disadvantage. These are the reason why we exist.
We have been appointed by Arts Council England as one of 43 new Music Hub Lead Organisations in England as part of a national programme to provide high-quality music education for all children and young people. This is great news for us and Birmingham, and a reflection of the tremendous efforts made by all our staff.
Our Music Service has increased the number of free music ensembles to 113 to embrace music of all types and genres. Ensembles enable children to play music with their peers and perform at concerts including our Youth Proms, Spring and Festive Concerts – all joyous events. And our Azaad Dhol Drumming Group performed before an audience of 5,000 proudly representing Birmingham at the Music for Youth Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
We have been recognised in the Music and Drama Awards where our partnership with Soundabout was judged overall winner for Excellence in SEND.
Our School Support team has further developed its courses, conferences and webinars covering subjects ranging from mental health & wellbeing to statutory assessment ensuring schools, trustees and governors have expert informed resources.
Our inaugural Reading Conference for Primary Teachers received great feedback. One delegate, an Assistant Headteacher, paid tribute to the “amazing speakers and subject areas to help get a whole array of information about the important and relevant aspects of reading”.
Meanwhile, our Health for Life programme, now in its twelfth year, encouraged 3,000 children and their families to enjoy a proactive approach to developing a healthy lifestyle, supported by Michelin-trained chef and internet sensation, Poppy O’Toole.
We were also delighted to be judged Training Provider/ Educational Establishment of the Year in the Midlands Service Excellence Awards – another great accolade to our staff and their work.
Sadly, two people who have enthusiastically supported us, are taking up new roles in other education establishments.
Stuart Birnie left the Music Service after 33-years’ service – most recently as its Head and prior to that Assistant Head. When he first joined there were just 30 music teachers; there are now around 180. He led a team respected locally and nationally and I would like to thank Stuart for his inspiration and support and wish him well in his new role in southern England closer to his family.
Stuart has been succeeded by Richard Mabbott, who started his musical career as a chorister before becoming an Assistant Headteacher and Specialist Leader of Education for Music working with schools in Yorkshire and Humber region to enhance the classroom music offer and build networks of music teachers enabling pedagogical developments.
For the past three-years, School Support has been ably and enthusiastically led by Kirsty Jones – who joined us following a 20-year career in schools. Sadly for us, Kirsty is returning to school leadership – taking up a senior role in February 2025. This is a great opportunity for Kirsty and whilst we are sorry to see her go, we are grateful for all her hard work and determination to expand our offer in this vital field.
I am grateful for all the commitment and enthusiasm of colleagues, trustees, partners and stakeholders – as well as donors and funders including Arts Council England, businesses and individuals.
Thank you for all your support.
Sharon Bell
Chief Executive
Lucie Welch – Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin - Adviser, Services For Education
Marsha 
