News

The government has now published the Schools White Paper. This is our response.

This government has said that it is committed to restoring the value of arts subjects in schools. In this White Paper, it has a stated ambition of a “strong enrichment offer and a revitalised arts curriculum”. They took one step forward with the scrapping of the EBacc but schools and young people continue to wait for actions to back up their promise.

Only 7% of school leaders say they have plans to increase time spent on creative subjects in the future. They cite as barriers: lack of funding for resources and specialist teachers, the exam factory culture, and an over-crowded curriculum. All these issues must be addressed to boost the status of arts subjects.

Only then will all children and young people have the chance to study the subjects they enjoy and reach their full potential, wherever their talents lie.