Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she is taking steps to allow pupils who attend schools where is it not viable to offer an A-level in music due to low pupil demand to continue their studies in that subject up to A-level.

The Department believes in a high quality education for all pupils. Integral to this is cultural education, which includes drama, dance, music and art. All state funded schools are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum.

All pupils should have the opportunity to study arts subjects at GCSE and A level if they wish to do so, including music. It is up to individual schools and colleges to decide which Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 courses to offer. They may wish to work together with other schools and colleges to maximise choice.

The Government published the National Plan for Music Education last year. The new plan sets out clear actions to improve music education through to 2030, including providing £79 million of funding per year for the Music Hubs programme, up to and including 2024/25, as well as £25 million of capital funding for music instruments.

The National Plan includes the Model Music Curriculum (MMC), published in March 2021, available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974358/Model_Music_Curriculum_Key_Stage_1__2_FINAL.pdf. The MMC provides a blueprint for progression through primary and secondary towards GCSE and other qualifications. The Plan is clear that undertaking formal music qualifications at school, college or elsewhere can be one way to unlock careers in music for young people. Where a pupil wishes to pursue music beyond Key Stage 3, head teachers should have a clear understanding of how their school or college enables the study of music at Key Stage 4 and beyond, including provision of music GCSE, A level and/or technical awards wherever possible.

The Department will also be publishing a Cultural Education Plan in 2023, working with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England. The Plan will focus on how the Government can support participation and progression in a wide range of arts subjects and activities, particularly for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and in underrepresented groups. It will also support young people who wish to pursue careers in the creative, cultural, and heritage industries.