Ballet

Baroness Bull Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

I have to confess to not being an expert on the arrangements for the conservatoire, although it is the case that where a student is studying a degree in dance, they are eligible for student funding in the normal way that a student would be. If the noble Baroness sends me further details about whether she thinks that covers the point she is making, I will be happy to look at it.

[Baroness Bull (CB)]

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord John, for raising the question of classical ballet. As the Minister knows, it is highly specialist, highly intensive and time critical so that a dancer can be internationally job ready at age 18. I take the opportunity to ask her about the music and dance scheme, which—as she knows and as we have heard so often—is a vital talent pipeline that ensures that young talent, whatever their background, can fulfil their potential. I am very grateful to the Minister and to Georgia Gould for repeatedly confirming the Government’s support for the scheme, but is she aware that the lack of clarity on long-term funding is now making it very difficult for schools to convince parents to sign up to a multiyear training programme, which is essential to success? Have there been any conversations on the ongoing questions of VAT, whether the exemption for MDS students will remain and, indeed, multiyear funding agreements for these vital institutions?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

It is very good to be facing questions today from at least two excellent dancers—that is no slight on my noble friend. The noble Baroness raises, as have other noble Lords, the question of certainty around the music and dance scheme, which, as she says, the Government have consistently committed to as we commit to revitalising and widening access to arts education. We continue to fund that scheme, providing bursaries to more than 2,000 students. This means that means-tested, targeted support for students from lower-income families can continue. Funding for the academic year 2026-27 onward will be announced in due course. Although it has not been the case for some time that there have been multiyear settlements, I understand the noble Baroness’s point about certainty for students who are starting on courses and their families.