Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to increase the uptake of arts subjects at GCSE level; and if he will make a statement.

At Key Stage 4, all pupils in maintained schools must be offered the opportunity to study at least one subject in the arts ‘entitlement’ area, which includes art and design, music, dance, drama, and media arts.

In November 2016, the Department announced a package of funding for music and cultural education that is designed to improve access to the arts for all children, regardless of their background, and to develop talent across the country. The Department is providing £300 million of ring-fenced funding from 2016-20 to music education hubs. The national network of 120 music education hubs ensures that all children have access to a high quality music education, including learning to play musical instruments and having the opportunity to play and sing in ensembles.