Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps through the national curriculum to help encourage children and young people to learn arts and creative subjects.

The Department believes in a high quality education for all pupils. Cultural education is a key part of this, including the wider arts, music and creative subjects. All state-funded schools are required to teach a broad and balanced curriculum, which includes promoting pupils' cultural development.

The Department published the Model Music Curriculum in 2021 and a refreshed national plan for music education earlier this year to support teachers in delivering high quality music education. The Department will publish a Cultural Education Plan in 2023, working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and Arts Council England, to support the arts and heritage. This will include how best to support young people who wish to pursue careers in the creative and cultural industries.

With real terms per pupil increases to core school funding, and nearly £5 billion announced for education recovery, schools will continue to have the flexibility to deliver a broad and ambitious curriculum, along with enrichment activities, including the arts and creative subjects.