Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to provide children with access to the arts after the EBacc becomes compulsory in schools.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is not compulsory; however, the Government wants children to benefit from an academic curriculum that keeps their options open for future study, training and work. By September 2022, the Department aims for 75% of Year 10 pupils in state-funded mainstream schools to be studying GCSEs in the EBacc combination of subjects.

The EBacc, whilst comprehensive, has been designed so pupils continue to study additional subjects that reflect their individual interests and strengths. On average, pupils in state-funded schools enter nine GCSEs and equivalent qualifications. As the EBacc covers seven GCSEs, or eight for those pupils taking triple science, this leaves room for other choices, including arts subjects.

At Key Stage 4, pupils in maintained schools must be offered the opportunity to study at least one subject in the arts 'entitlement' area.

Arts and music will remain available to all pupils. £300 million of ring-fenced funding in music hubs is being invested between 2016-20. Other programmes that continue to be funded include the Music and Dance Scheme, National Youth Music Organisations, ‘In Harmony’ and Art and Design Saturday clubs.