Overview
- The government will publish a revised music programme in 2027 for first teaching in 2028, with updated GCSE specifications scheduled for 2029 and an emphasis on core skills including reading music.
- Ministers confirmed the removal of the EBacc performance measure to encourage a broader take-up of arts subjects such as music at GCSE.
- Plans include a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support teachers, and the Department for Education will add media literacy to the national curriculum.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged Ed Sheeran’s campaign and open letter as influencing the reforms.
- The review highlighted sharp declines in GCSE music participation, especially in high-disadvantage schools, while funding and delivery details remain undecided, including calls for a £250m package.