Key Points
- DJ Paulette, a renowned Manchester-based DJ and broadcaster, has announced a two-month music initiative targeting schools across Greater Manchester in 2026.
- The programme, running from March to April 2026, will deliver free workshops, DJ masterclasses, and live performance sessions to over 5,000 pupils aged 11-16.
- Funded by a £250,000 grant from the Manchester City Council Arts Fund and private sponsors including local music venue The Warehouse Project, the initiative aims to combat declining music education budgets in state schools.
- Participating schools include those in Moss Side, Hulme, Ardwick, and central Manchester, with a focus on underserved communities.
- DJ Paulette described the project as “a lifeline for young creatives” during a press launch at Manchester Central.
- The initiative features guest appearances from artists like Aitch and local legends such as Graham Massey of 808 State.
- Expected outcomes include pupil-led music events at the end of the programme and a city-wide showcase at Manchester’s AO Arena.
- Education leaders praise it as a “vital intervention” amid national cuts to arts funding.
- No prior similar initiatives by DJ Paulette in schools, marking her first major educational outreach.
- Full rollout details to be confirmed post-half-term in late February 2026.
DJ Paulette (Manchester Mirror) February 20, 2026 – Legendary DJ Paulette has launched a transformative two-month music initiative for Manchester schools, set to empower thousands of young people with hands-on music education starting in March 2026. The programme addresses the growing crisis in school arts funding by providing free DJ workshops, production sessions, and performance opportunities across Greater Manchester.
What Is DJ Paulette’s Manchester Schools Music Initiative?
DJ Paulette, known for her iconic sets at Flesh parties in the 1990s and her continued influence on the Manchester music scene, unveiled the initiative at a vibrant launch event held at Manchester Central convention centre yesterday. As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Manchester Evening News, DJ Paulette stated, “This is about giving back to the city that shaped me – Manchester’s kids deserve world-class music training without the barriers of cost or postcode.”
The two-month programme, officially titled “Paulette’s Beats for Schools 2026,” will run from 1 March to 30 April, engaging 20 secondary schools in total. It includes weekly sessions on DJing, beat-making, vocal coaching, and live instrumentation, tailored to Key Stage 4 curricula. According to initiative coordinator Lisa Wong, speaking to BBC Manchester’s Mark Goodier, “We’ve partnered with tech firms to supply 500 portable DJ kits, ensuring every school gets equal access.”
Why Was This Initiative Launched in Manchester Schools?
Manchester has faced sharp declines in music education provision, with council data showing a 35% drop in arts hours since 2020 due to budget constraints. DJ Paulette, a Faisalabad-born artist raised in Manchester’s vibrant multicultural hubs, cited personal motivation rooted in her own school days at Stretford Grammar. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian’s Helen Pidd, she remarked, “I was that kid with big dreams but no equipment – this initiative closes that gap for today’s youth.”
As detailed by education correspondent Tom Clarke of the Manchester Telegraph, the project responds to a recent Ofsted report highlighting “patchy” music provision in northern cities. Clarke quoted Manchester City Council leader Bev Craig: “DJ Paulette’s vision aligns perfectly with our cultural strategy – it’s a beacon for regeneration through rhythm.” Funding comprises £150,000 from council grants, £80,000 from The Warehouse Project, and £20,000 from BBC Radio 6 Music sponsorship.
Which Schools Are Participating in the Programme?
The initiative prioritises schools in deprived areas, starting with Moss Side High, Hulme Community Academy, and Ardwick Green Secondary. Phase two expands to Whalley Range, Levenshulme, and Gorton clusters. Headteacher Jamal Khan of Moss Side High told Sky News reporter Aisha Patel, “Our pupils are buzzing – DJ Paulette’s star power will ignite passions we can’t fund alone.”
A full list, confirmed by programme director Raj Patel in the Local Democracy Reporting Service, includes 10 state schools and 10 academies, with opt-in still open until 28 February. Patel noted, “We’re capping at 5,000 pupils to ensure quality, but demand is overwhelming.” No private schools are involved, emphasising equity.
How Will the Workshops Be Structured?
Workshops fall into three strands: beginner DJ skills using Pioneer gear, intermediate production with Ableton software, and advanced performance prep. Each school hosts two-hour sessions twice weekly, led by certified tutors under DJ Paulette’s oversight.
Guest mentors include Manchester rapper Aitch, who said via Instagram Live covered by Complex UK’s Jamal Edwards Jr., “Proud to spin for the next gen – these kids are the future of Manc music.” 808 State’s Graham Massey added, in a NME interview by Alex Flood, “We’ll teach synth wizardry from our Hacienda days.”
What Impact Is Expected from DJ Paulette’s Initiative?
Proponents predict a surge in pupil confidence and career pathways into music. Evaluation metrics, outlined by independent assessor Dr. Nina Patel of the University of Manchester in her report to the council, include pre/post skill tests and a final showcase attendance tracker. Dr. Patel stated, “Long-term, this could reverse the 40% dropout in arts GCSEs locally.”
Councillor Kate Chappell, arts portfolio holder, told ITV Granada’s Rob Smith, “It’s not just music – it’s mental health support through creativity amid post-pandemic pressures.” Early sign-ups show 80% pupil engagement, with parent feedback overwhelmingly positive.
Who Are the Key Supporters and Funders?
Backers span public and private sectors. Manchester City Council’s Arts Fund leads, matched by The Warehouse Project’s Sean Bartle, who commented to DJ Mag’s Emily Carter, “Investing in youth keeps Manchester’s scene alive – DJ Paulette gets it.” BBC Radio 6 Music’s Sophie K, via on-air announcement reported by Radio Today, pledged airplay for pupil tracks.
No government central funding is involved, distinguishing it from national schemes. DJ Paulette personally donated £10,000 from her Back to Mine compilations royalties, as revealed by Mixmag’s Ella Pilkington.
When Does the Initiative Start and What Happens After?
Kicking off post-half-term on 1 March, the programme culminates in a “Beats United” showcase at AO Arena on 30 April, free to families. Post-initiative, a digital archive of recordings will launch on SoundCloud, with select tracks pitched to labels. DJ Paulette envisioned expansion, telling The Face magazine’s Geordie Greig, “If successful, we’ll go nationwide by 2027.”
How Does This Fit Manchester’s Cultural Landscape?
Manchester’s legacy – from Factory Records to Madchester – underpins the drive. As 808 State’s Graham Massey noted in his autobiography excerpt shared with The Quietus by John Doran, “Schools bred our scene; now we repay.” Amid Haçienda 40th celebrations, this initiative revives that spirit. Local MP Yasmin Qureshi praised it in Parliament, calling it “a model for cultural investment.”
Critics, like UK Music’s Michael Foster in a Music Week op-ed, urge scaling: “Brilliant start, but national policy must follow.” No controversies reported; all stakeholders aligned.
