This government report evaluates the common strengths and weaknesses of music education and considers the challenges that music faces.
Overall, this report identifies some significant strengths and weaknesses in school music education. It recommends ways that school and subject leaders can make sure that all pupils leave school with a well-rounded music education that supports them to think more musically and, consequently, become more musical.
The report highlights significant variation in the quality of music education, despite this significant improvement since the time of the previous subject report in 2012.
For example, a proportion of secondary schools still do not make sure that all pupils have enough time to learn a curriculum at key stage 3 that prepares them well enough, should they wish, for further musical study. Concerningly, in some schools, pupils are only well placed to continue their musical education and achieve well after key stage 3 if they have access to paid instrumental or vocal lessons.
There is a clear divide between children and young people whose families can afford to pay for music tuition and those who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This inequality of opportunity, highlighted at the time of our last subject report, persists.