Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the cost of graded music theory examinations, including VAT, on the number of young people progressing to higher-grade music qualifications.

Fees for graded music exams (theory and performance) are set by awarding organisations and are VAT exempt. While Ofqual regulates the qualifications and awarding organisations, it does not set or approve the fees charged. The department is not responsible for those fees and has not made an assessment of the impact of cost on young people progressing to higher grades. Such qualifications can support progression but are not a requirement for GCSE or A level.

We are committed to improving equity in music, taking forward reform of the national curriculum and GCSE in light of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. It recommended that we revise the music curriculum to ensure pupils gain a rigorous foundation in musical understanding. This will be subject to consultation later this year.

Our investment in music hubs and the new National Centre for Arts Education will support schools to deliver the new curriculum.