We continue to work with Sandwell schools to build and support their music offer. It is our goal
to encourage every school in Sandwell to work with us, so that there is an equity of opportunity
for children to learn a musical instrument during their time at school.

Celebrating Sandwell & The WM at 50!

The Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell was formed on 1 April 1974 as an amalgamation of the county boroughs of Warley (ceremonially within Worcestershire) and West Bromwich (ceremonially within Staffordshire), under the Local Government Act 1972, bringing together the six amalgamated towns of Oldbury, Rowley Regis (which includes the towns of Blackheath and Cradley Heath)  Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

The West Midlands county also came into existence on the same day and is the second most populous county in England, after Greater London.

The county consists of the City of Birmingham, the City of Coventry, and the City of Wolverhampton, as well as the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, and Walsall

To commemorate this, the West Midlands Lieutenancy has launched the 50forWM50 Project to celebrate volunteers across our region.

We’re proud of our rich legacy of volunteers, and supporting volunteering at SIPS, from the ‘Friends’ who support the music service, to school governors, magistrates, and police specials. There are also the unsung heroes who quietly support our communities.

Wherever you are in our region, Nominate a colleague, friend, or family member today for recognition of their contribution to our region. The winner gets a tram named after them!

More News Stories

We're thrilled to share that our IT Services Team has been shortlisted for the prestigious Service Desk Institute (SDI) Awards 2027 in the category of Managed Service Provider Service Desk of the Year! This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in service delivery and customer experience. It reflects the dedication and expertise of our IT colleagues, who work tirelessly to support schools and make a positive impact. Join us in celebrating this achievement and stay tuned for the next stage, where we present to the judging panel. Discover more about this exciting news and the awards by clicking the link!
The UK construction sector is facing a critical workforce challenge, with over 250,000 skilled workers needed by 2028. In the West Midlands, demand is surging, with job postings up by nearly 50% in just a year. SIPS Education is at the forefront of addressing this gap, connecting young people with leading employers through innovative careers programmes. From employer-led workshops to hands-on workplace visits, we’re inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. Join us in building clear pathways into one of the region's most vital and rapidly growing sectors, ensuring a brighter future for our communities and young talent.
Discover the latest edition of SCOOP, the vibrant member magazine from SIPS Education, where we celebrate the remarkable partnerships and innovations shaping our schools and communities. This autumn, dive into inspiring stories that highlight our collective achievements, from enhancing pupil wellbeing to showcasing outstanding musical talents. Explore practical support offers and stay updated on key developments in governance, finance, and early career teacher development. Join us in reflecting on the impactful work we do together across the West Midlands. Don’t miss out on the exciting updates and opportunities waiting for you—click to read more and be inspired!