SoundLINCS Founder and Schools Pioneer Named as This Year’s Honorary Graduates

Nikki-Kate Heyes MBE is a renowned cellist, conductor, composer, and community music advocate with over 40 years dedicated to cultural and workforce development. She began her career as a cello and double bass teacher before moving into music development and freelance work as a community musician, ensemble founder, theatre composer, and international touring artist.

In 1998, Nikki-Kate founded Lincoln-based soundLINCS, a pioneering community music charity which gained national and international recognition for its innovative approach to musical inclusion. Under her leadership, soundLINCS delivered over 50,000 workshops, impacting 1.5 million participants across diverse settings, including youth justice, healthcare, special education, and social prescription.

Nikki-Kate served 12 years on the Board of Trustees for Sound Sense, the National Association for Community Music, including six as Chair. She was also a Regional Council member for Arts Council England and represented soundLINCS’ work internationally through the International Society for Music Education.

In 2013, Nikki-Kate was awarded an MBE for her services to music. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians and communities, demonstrating the transformative power of music.

Andrew Breckon has over 56 years of experience in education, spanning roles as a teacher, adviser, inspector, CEO, and Director, and most recently serving as CEO of the University of Lincoln Academy Trust, which he established in 2014.

As a local authority inspector in Lincolnshire, Andy led a major curriculum transformation and played a key role in the introduction of the National Curriculum in the county. After leaving Lincolnshire, he became CEO of the charity DATA where he launched many curriculum initiatives including the groundbreaking CADCAM in schools programme.

Andrew played a crucial role in turning around failing schools as Director at CfBT, leading the largest outsourced school improvement service in England and eventually establishing the CfBT Schools Trust before moving on to the University of Lincoln Academy Trust.

Away from his work in the classroom and the boardroom, Andrew has lectured in 14 countries and has published eight books, as well as 25 other publications. He has also advised on 94 schools television programmes, including the BAFTA Education award winning ‘Techno’ series.

Andrew will be graduating Nikki-Kate will be graduating at 2:30pm on Tuesday 29 April. Nikki-Kate will be graduating at 2:30pm on Thursday 1 May.