Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what funding his Department is providing for music education hubs in England in the 2021-22 financial year; and what discussions his Department has had with the Arts Council on the administration of the grants which will be paid; and if he will make a statement.

Music Education Hubs have a vital role to play not only in core school music but also ensuring children have access to all the benefits of a wider musical education through instrumental lessons and ensembles. They have acted swiftly and innovatively to support schools through the COVID-19 outbreak, including the continuation of continuing professional development to classroom teachers.

Following the one-year Spending Review settlement, the Department will continue to fund Music Education Hubs for the financial year 2021-22. Funding has been confirmed with Arts Council England, our delivery partner for this area of work, and they have already confirmed this with Music Education Hubs organisations. An announcement on the national funding will be made shortly, followed by further details on specific funding allocations issued to individual hubs.