Labour’s vision statement is all about empowering students, sparking joy, and creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape in schools. But what exactly are the key points of these new commitments, and how will they shape the future of education?
In a world that thrives on innovation and creativity, it’s clear that arts education is more important than ever. The new government promises to be paving the way for a brighter, more creative future for UK schools. Labour’s commitments aren’t just about enhancing the curriculum; it’s about transforming how young people see themselves, how they express their ideas, and how they engage with the world around them. And as Keir Starmer put it, “It’s about helping every child find their voice… Learn who they are and what they believe. And tell their story in their own way. That is the power of art in a nutshell” (Labour Creatives Conference, 14 March 2024).
Labour’s vision statement is all about empowering students, sparking joy, and creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape in schools. But what exactly are the key points of these new commitments, and how will they shape the future of education?
The new government has big plans to revamp the national curriculum, placing a much-needed emphasis on creative subjects. Their plan? An expert-led review that will draw from the wisdom of school staff, parents, and employers to guide curriculum changes, hoping to make them more innovative, rich, and inclusive. What does this mean for schools? It offers teachers the chance to build on their knowledge-rich syllabuses but prioritises giving students a broader range of skills. As Labour states, “Every child should have a broad curriculum with an excellent foundation in reading, writing and maths, and support to develop essential digital, speaking and creative skills” (CLA).
The new government wants to ensure that every child has the opportunity to study a creative or vocational subject until they’re 16. This commitment is crucial, especially given the sharp decline in arts subject entries—GCSE arts have seen a 47% drop over the last few years (CFA). This trend could lead to a talent drain, stripping away the next generation of artists, musicians, and performers.
As Starmer put it, “When you see that statistic that is going to strip out the next generation if we don’t turn it around. So I’m determined, on day one, we will change that in the curriculum” (Front Row, BBC Radio 4). Labour’s focus on turning this around seems to be not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that arts education remains a vital and accessible part of every student’s journey, regardless of their background.
At the Labour Creatives Conference, Starmer highlighted the immense power of the UK’s creative industries. From film and music to gaming, the creative sector is booming, and it needs fresh talent to continue growing. The new government’s “Creative Industries Sector Action Plan” is set to create jobs, boost growth, and open doors for young people from all walks of life. By supporting children to pursue creative subjects, Labour aims to foster a new generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators.
At the heart of this plan is a focus on inclusion. The government wants to make sure that the arts are no longer dominated by the privately educated elite. Recent analysis found that 40% of Britons nominated for top creative prizes, such as the Oscars and Mercury Prize, went to private schools—despite only 6% of the UK population attending them (GUA). The government is setting out to change this by levelling the playing field and ensuring that working-class kids have just as much access to arts education and creative opportunities. As part of this, the new government say they will launch a “National Music Education Network”. This initiative will serve as a one-stop shop for parents, teachers, and children, offering a wealth of resources and courses in music education (CLA)
So, what does this mean for schools? Labour’s commitments represent a significant shift towards a more creative, inclusive education system. Schools will be encouraged to integrate arts and creativity into every aspect of their curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped with the full range of skills they’ll need in the future.
For teachers, they promise more support for creative subjects and a curriculum that values innovation as much as academic performance. For students, they will be encouraged to explore their creative passions and to use those passions to tell their own stories.
By fostering creativity, arts education doesn’t just teach technical skills; it empowers students to find their voice and make it heard. And in schools working with partners like Sing Education, that mission is already well underway. Sing Education’s high-energy, singing-led music lessons show that every child has a voice.
Sing Education is all about active music-making—their lessons are designed to be hands-on, fun, and deeply engaging for students. Through singing, playing instruments, and movement, they bring music to life, allowing children to explore their creativity in an interactive way. Sing Education doesn’t just teach music as a technical subject; they make it a vibrant, joyful experience that encourages every child to express themselves, building confidence and fostering a lifelong love of music.
Through collaborations with organisations like the Richard Shephard Music Foundation, we’re able to reach even more students, especially in underserved areas.
With a strong belief that every child has a voice, Sing Education helps students discover and develop their musical talents, ensuring that music remains a key part of the curriculum. By prioritising creativity and making learning enjoyable, they are equipping children not just with musical skills but with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world
To learn more about Sing Education, including how our curricular provision, 1:1 and small group instrumental lessons plus at home music learning resources contribute to a well-rounded music programme, please visit www.singeducation.co.uk/schools
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