Henley urges investment in cultural education

Addressing inequality in cultural education requires sustained long-term investment, not “short-term governmental funding cycles”, according to the chief executive of Arts Council England.

In an updated version of his 2016 book The Arts Dividend, Darren Henley writes, “We need to ensure that there is enough investment to make high-quality cultural education a part of every child’s life, no matter what their background.”

He continues: “There is startling evidence that those from educationally deprived backgrounds are least likely to engage with cultural activities, perpetuating a cycle of exclusion.

“It’s a national tragedy that talented young individuals from those communities are failing to achieve their potential.

“To address this, we need a sustained long-term investment in talent that exists not in short governmental funding cycles, but for a generation.”

Curriculum review

An interim report from the Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis, is due early this year, outlining key themes and initial recommendations.

In his book, Henley writes that he is hopeful that the review will lead to an educational framework that encourages more young people to study subjects such as art and design, dance, drama and music at GCSE level.

Labour has previously said it wants to make creativity central to children’s education, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledging ahead of the general election to update progress eight performance measures to help all pupils study a creative arts subject or sport until the age of 16.

The final report of the review is expected to be published in autumn. However, the government has yet to commit to any additional investment in cultural education.

Is there more money for schools in the budget?

In October’s budget, it was announced that school funding would rise by £2.3 bn in 2024/25.

Just under half of that funding (£1bn) is allocated for high needs, which government says recognises “the immense need” in the sector for students who require additional support, including those with learning difficulties or disabilities.

The remaining increase to the school’s budget will continue to fully fund last year’s 5.5% pay award for teachers and to help cover pay awards in 2025/26.

“Despite the investment, there will still be difficult decisions to take on how money is spent right across the public sector – including in schools,” the government has said.

“We will support schools to use their money more efficiently wherever possible.”

‘Evolution, not revolution’

Dr Steve Ball, director of Birmingham Arts School and chair of Birmingham Music Hub, has warned against expecting the review to transform the system completely.

Writing in Drama and Theatre, Ball, who noted that the review’s expert panel “sadly doesn’t include any arts education specialists,” said that Francis has “hit the ground running”, conducting an online call for evidence and hosting two online webinars and nine events across England in October and November 2024.

“After more than a decade of decline in arts in schools, it’s refreshing to see that the panel will seek to deliver ‘a broader curriculum, with improved access to music, art, sport and drama’ and ‘a curriculum that reflects the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring all children and young people are represented,” said Ball.

However, he added, “Many will welcome the review, but those expecting revolution of the current system will be disappointed as one of the key principles is ‘evolution, not revolution’.”

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