Education Secretary to ensure 'every child has the chance' to study music and drama

Every child will have the chance to study music alongside life lessons at school, the Government says.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wants to ensure all pupils can access a “broader curriculum”, including music, art, sport and drama, alongside subjects such as maths and English.

Professor Becky Francis, former director of University College London’s Institute of Education, will oversee a full review of lessons in England for five to 18-year-olds.

Now chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation charity, she has been tasked with ensuring every child learns skills they will need in the workplace, such as computer literacy and how to talk with other people effectively.

The updated curriculum will be designed to “reflect the issues and diversities of our society, ensuring all children and young people are represented”.

In addition, the review will consider whether exams are balanced well against other forms of assessment. Prof Francis has been asked to “work backwards” by considering what school leavers at 18 should be equipped with.

She will consult teachers, parents and children, with recommendations due to be published next autumn.

Ms Phillipson urged parents to ensure their children are present at school this new academic year, as absence rates have been “ persistently high” since the pandemic.

She said: “Parents have a legal responsibility to make sure their child is in school, so they may benefit from the high and rising standards that this Government will seek to drive.

“In return, we will deliver on our commitment to break down the barriers to opportunity, including tackling causes of absence through mental health support in schools, breakfast clubs in all primary schools and inclusive special educational needs support.”