Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department has assessed the role of private companies in providing music classes in state schools through charging parents.

Schools can work with a range of partners, including private providers, to offer instrumental and vocal tuition as part of their enrichment offer, including provision for which parents may be charged.

The department provides £76 million annually to support 43 Music Hub partnerships across England. These Hubs support schools in providing high-quality music education across a range of genres and bring together a range of partners. Schools may also choose to work with providers outside the Music Hub network.

The Enrichment Framework for schools and colleges, published in June 2026, supports schools with planning, strengthening and reviewing their enrichment offer and provides benchmarks, tools and resources. The department’s ‘Charging for School Activities Guidance’ also sets out the framework for schools’ charging policies, including voluntary contributions and reduced charges.