15 New Free Arts Schools Launched to Reverse Music Entry Decline
The Department of Education has launched 15 new free-to-attend schools, including BRIT School North in Bradford, aiming to boost access to art education. This move comes amidst a significant decline in GCSE and A-level music entries since 2010, with GCSE entries falling by 36 percent and A-level entries by 45 percent. The introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in 2010 is cited as a contributing factor to this decline.
The new schools, part of the government's initiative to increase access to art education in disadvantaged regions, include BRIT School North, a performing arts school for students aged 16-19. The original BRIT School in London has been a successful model for art education. The decline in music entries has raised concerns, with the Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) launching the #SaveOurSubjects campaign, calling for a review and reform of school accountability measures, including Progress 8, which weights EBacc subjects more heavily.
The launch of these new schools signals a commitment to reversing the decline in art education. However, the impact of EBacc on creative subject entries remains a concern. The ISM's campaign highlights the need for a balanced curriculum and fair accountability measures to ensure all subjects, including music, thrive.
