Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her department has made of the potential merits of establishing a national entitlement under which every pupil who demonstrates an interest in learning a musical instrument can access an instrument on a free loan.

This government believes that music is an essential part of the well-rounded and enriching education every child deserves.

In the 2026/27 academic year, we will support the delivery of music education by continuing to invest £76 million revenue grant funding annually for the music hubs network, alongside continuing to invest £25 million capital funding for musical instruments, equipment and technology.

Alongside instrument hire, the network provides pupils who wish to learn a musical instrument with access to Whole Class Ensemble Teaching, musical instrument and voice tuition, continuing professional development and access to local, regional and national ensembles.

In addition, the Music Opportunities Pilot provides free instrument or vocal tuition and progression support for up to 1,000 disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The pilot’s findings will inform future policy on widening music opportunities, including instrument access.