The Review confirms major reforms to school performance measures, including the removal of the EBacc and changes to Progress 8, aiming to give equal status for arts GCSEs alongside English, maths and science. These critical reforms recognise the essential role of arts and music education in developing confidence, creativity and transferable skills valued across all industries.

It is vital that these reforms ensure that every child has meaningful access to arts and culture as part of a rich and balanced education. We welcome the commitment to a new core enrichment entitlement and look forward to further clarity on the role of the National Centre for Arts and Music Education in delivering on these reforms. Given the well-known, transferable benefits of music education, the ABO looks forward to supporting the Government in making enrichment activities an essential part of the school experience, with music at their heart.

Judith Webster, ABO Chief Executive, said: “This is a significant moment for arts and cultural education in our schools. The ABO and our partners across the music education and wider cultural sectors have campaigned for many years to reinstate equal recognition for the arts within the curriculum. Evidence shows that music education nurtures cognitive, emotional and social growth, helping young people build confidence, teamwork and communication skills that benefit every aspect of life, whatever path they choose. We welcome the Government’s commitment to curriculum reform and the creative subjects. It is now vital that sufficient funding, training and support are provided so that every school can deliver these promises effectively.”

The ABO celebrates the collective work of schools, teachers, Music Hubs and orchestras to bring high-quality music education to young people, through its #AnOrchestraInEverySchool initiative. The campaign has called on the Government to pledge support for access to live music making for all children and young people—through increasing the minimum arts entitlement within the school week, improvements to teacher training and recruitment, addressing shortages in different instruments being learnt and taught as well as enabling access to flexible apprenticeships for the creative industries. We stand ready to support the Government’s ambition to optimise its investment in music education for all young people.

UK orchestras already work with hundreds of thousands of children and young people every year, providing access to world-class musicians and live music experiences both in schools and local communities.

The ABO looks forward to working with Government and the wider sector to turn today’s recommendations into action, ensuring equitable access to the arts for all young people.