Herbert Wiseman originated the series and it was first broadcast on September 25th 1939, according to the BBC Sound Archives.

"Listening figures far outstripped those of other school music broadcasts for example in 1941, Autumn Term, 4100 schools were tuning in."
Gordon Cox 2002. Living music in schools 1923-1999 Studies in the History of music education in England. Ashgate Publishing Limited, Adlershot.