Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on the inclusion of music, dance and theatre in the school curriculum.

The Department strongly believes that the arts form an important part of a broad and balanced National Curriculum, which is why art & design, dance, drama and music are compulsory for pupils aged 5-14 in state-maintained schools. The arts contribute significantly towards our economy and can transform lives and introduce young people to a huge range of opportunities. As a result, the Department is providing nearly £500 million of funding between 2016 and 2020 for a diverse portfolio of arts and music education programmes. £300 million of this funding is ring-fenced to support music education. The Department funds other music, dance and drama programmes as well, and also provides opportunities for young people to attend Saturday Arts Clubs and visit museums.