Reform to our education system is needed now, with cultural organisations embedding themselves in communities to deliver lasting change.

There is overwhelming public support for arts in schools. We know – we’ve been doing the research over the summer. Over 80% of UK adults believe all children should have routine access to high-quality creative activities in school. 64% agree cutting arts in schools harms children’s confidence and communication, whilst nearly 70% of Gen Z and Millennials (people born after 1982) say that access to arts in school built their confidence and resilience. 

As a new school year begins, we say that now is the time to act. Despite a modest increase in students taking performing arts the long-term trend remains in decline; since 2010, the proportion of GCSE entries in arts subjects (such as music, dance and drama) has almost halved. In our view, one of the best solutions is to facilitate more initiatives that follow the blueprint of our radical residency at Acland Burghley School with the support of the UK Government, councils, charities and foundations.