As the head of a university music dept, we're at the sharp end of this. Gove's EBacc is to blame. Pupils no longer encouraged to take music GCSE -> drop in A Level + drop in teacher recruitment -> drop in university entrance -> fewer teachers trained -> schools not offering A Level or GCSE music 1/2
'The number of students taking A-level music is at a record low: under 5,000, a drop of nearly half from 15 years ago....Music GCSE entries have also fallen. It has the widest attainment gap for disadvantaged students of any subject.'
The Guardian view on music and drama education: reversing elitism starts at school | Editorial
Editorial: The number of students taking creative subjects at A-level and GCSE is at a record low. The arts must not become the preserve of the most privileged
www.theguardian.com
September 6, 2026 at 1:34 PM
As the head of a university music dept, we're at the sharp end of this. Gove's EBacc is to blame. Pupils no longer encouraged to take music GCSE -> drop in A Level + drop in teacher recruitment -> drop in university entrance -> fewer teachers trained -> schools not offering A Level or GCSE music 1/2
Interested in promoting Humanities (including Languages) as well as Arts? Here's the British Academy's take on the interim report on the DfE's curriculum review:
Curriculum Review: The case for broadening - not abolishing - EBacc
Would removing EBacc increase access to arts and other SHAPE subjects? It’s not clear that it would.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
March 21, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Interested in promoting Humanities (including Languages) as well as Arts? Here's the British Academy's take on the interim report on the DfE's curriculum review:
📉 The EBacc 'may constrain' pupils’ choices and 'limit access to' vocational and arts subjects, Professor Becky Francis has said as she outlined areas the curriculum and assessment review panel believe 'need further attention'
Francis: 'EBacc may constrain choices and cut time for arts'
Curriculum and assessment review chair outlines areas in 'need of further attention'
buff.ly
March 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM
📉 The EBacc 'may constrain' pupils’ choices and 'limit access to' vocational and arts subjects, Professor Becky Francis has said as she outlined areas the curriculum and assessment review panel believe 'need further attention'
This all seems broadly sensible from @beckyfrancis.bsky.social (including the subtle as a brick hint that the EBacc is not long for this world)
📉 The EBacc 'may constrain' pupils’ choices and 'limit access to' vocational and arts subjects, Professor Becky Francis has said as she outlined areas the curriculum and assessment review panel believe 'need further attention'
Francis: 'EBacc may constrain choices and cut time for arts'
Curriculum and assessment review chair outlines areas in 'need of further attention'
buff.ly
March 15, 2025 at 11:09 AM
This all seems broadly sensible from @beckyfrancis.bsky.social (including the subtle as a brick hint that the EBacc is not long for this world)
'Leading universities have been forced to close music departments and arts courses. The number of teachers training in creative subjects has also declined sharply...[since] the Ebacc, which prioritised core academic subjects at the expense of the arts, was introduced by the Conservatives in 2010.'
September 6, 2026 at 6:52 AM
'Leading universities have been forced to close music departments and arts courses. The number of teachers training in creative subjects has also declined sharply...[since] the Ebacc, which prioritised core academic subjects at the expense of the arts, was introduced by the Conservatives in 2010.'
She is right but the tories have to also acknowledge that a lot of is a byproduct of them devaluing practical subjects with the EBacc etc.
September 24, 2026 at 5:37 AM
She is right but the tories have to also acknowledge that a lot of is a byproduct of them devaluing practical subjects with the EBacc etc.
4)An NC is pointless unless RE joins the Ebacc
4a) An NC at ks1-3 doesn't affect the Ebacc in itself
4b) Let's get rid of the Ebacc!
4a) An NC at ks1-3 doesn't affect the Ebacc in itself
4b) Let's get rid of the Ebacc!
November 19, 2024 at 6:58 PM
4)An NC is pointless unless RE joins the Ebacc
4a) An NC at ks1-3 doesn't affect the Ebacc in itself
4b) Let's get rid of the Ebacc!
4a) An NC at ks1-3 doesn't affect the Ebacc in itself
4b) Let's get rid of the Ebacc!
This is because state secondary schools are increasingly not teaching creative subjects at all beyond year 8 thanks entirely to Gove’s EBacc & austerity, so the only pupils able to do music, art, drama are those whose parents have the money to pay privately.
Sutton Trust report: 'The charity said access to creative degrees in subjects such as music and art was skewed towards those from upper middle-class backgrounds at the most prestigious institutions. ' Link to report is: www.suttontrust.com/our-research...
Young working-class people being ‘blocked’ from creative industries, study finds
Sutton Trust calls for improved access to creative education and industry dominated by upper middle-class
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2024 at 7:53 AM
This is because state secondary schools are increasingly not teaching creative subjects at all beyond year 8 thanks entirely to Gove’s EBacc & austerity, so the only pupils able to do music, art, drama are those whose parents have the money to pay privately.
This is very good news indeed — it was Gove leaving arts subjects out of the GCSE EBacc that caused the death spiral in arts education from primary to university levels that we are seeing now — when the creativity the arts inspire and teach could not be more important for future careers and lives.
'The review announced in July is expected to encourage a broader curriculum to be taught in schools, including music, art, sport and drama, as well as vocational subjects, alongside the core subjects of literacy and maths.'
Phillipson to ask schools to end exam ‘tunnel vision’ and look to wellbeing
Exclusive: Education secretary to tell schools in England pupils need sense of belonging, as attendance declines
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2024 at 8:14 AM
This is very good news indeed — it was Gove leaving arts subjects out of the GCSE EBacc that caused the death spiral in arts education from primary to university levels that we are seeing now — when the creativity the arts inspire and teach could not be more important for future careers and lives.
Fingers crossed the EBacc is consigned to the waste bin...
🚨 THIS WEEK 🚨
The Curriculum and Assessment Review is almost here and the ISM is keen to see how music education is going to grow and develop for the next generation
For 15 years it’s been the ISM vs the EBacc, scrap it now 🗑️
Read our open letter ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/1300-si...
The Curriculum and Assessment Review is almost here and the ISM is keen to see how music education is going to grow and develop for the next generation
For 15 years it’s been the ISM vs the EBacc, scrap it now 🗑️
Read our open letter ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/1300-si...
November 3, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Fingers crossed the EBacc is consigned to the waste bin...
Another cracking set of results for my lovely school. 79% 4+ Eng and Maths. 53% 4+ EBacc.
But what matters more to me than anything is the spontaneous hug from the lad in my own English class who got his 5 he worked his socks off for. Best feeling ever.
But what matters more to me than anything is the spontaneous hug from the lad in my own English class who got his 5 he worked his socks off for. Best feeling ever.
August 22, 2024 at 2:58 PM
Another cracking set of results for my lovely school. 79% 4+ Eng and Maths. 53% 4+ EBacc.
But what matters more to me than anything is the spontaneous hug from the lad in my own English class who got his 5 he worked his socks off for. Best feeling ever.
But what matters more to me than anything is the spontaneous hug from the lad in my own English class who got his 5 he worked his socks off for. Best feeling ever.
🎉 ISM triumphs over the EBacc 🎉
Hear direct from Chief Executive Deborah Annetts as the ISM celebrates this landmark victory for musicians, music educators and most importantly children in UK schools
Read more about this astonishing moment ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/ebacc-s...
Hear direct from Chief Executive Deborah Annetts as the ISM celebrates this landmark victory for musicians, music educators and most importantly children in UK schools
Read more about this astonishing moment ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/ebacc-s...
November 5, 2025 at 12:12 PM
🎉 ISM triumphs over the EBacc 🎉
Hear direct from Chief Executive Deborah Annetts as the ISM celebrates this landmark victory for musicians, music educators and most importantly children in UK schools
Read more about this astonishing moment ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/ebacc-s...
Hear direct from Chief Executive Deborah Annetts as the ISM celebrates this landmark victory for musicians, music educators and most importantly children in UK schools
Read more about this astonishing moment ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/ebacc-s...
The Curriculum and Assessment Review in England released interim findings this week - and sparked debate about the future of EBacc at GCSE. Dr Lynton Lees sets out why EBacc matters and the dangers of pitting subjects against each other:
Curriculum Review: The case for broadening - not abolishing - EBacc
Would removing EBacc increase access to arts and other SHAPE subjects? It’s not clear that it would.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk
March 22, 2025 at 9:25 AM
The Curriculum and Assessment Review in England released interim findings this week - and sparked debate about the future of EBacc at GCSE. Dr Lynton Lees sets out why EBacc matters and the dangers of pitting subjects against each other:
The government is likely to junk the controversial English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in a move expected to benefit the study of arts and creative subjects.
EBacc reportedly set to be axed in move to broaden curriculum - Arts Professional
The government is likely to junk the controversial English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in a move expected to benefit the study of arts and creative subjects.
www.artsprofessional.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The government is likely to junk the controversial English Baccalaureate (EBacc) in a move expected to benefit the study of arts and creative subjects.
Exclusive: Schools began to scale back their language provision after plans to withdraw the EBacc were announced last November, sparking fears that the change is “squeezing languages out of the picture”.
schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
EBacc withdrawal ‘squeezes languages out of the picture’
Language learning is continuing to decline with many schools cutting down further
schoolsweek.co.uk
April 27, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Exclusive: Schools began to scale back their language provision after plans to withdraw the EBacc were announced last November, sparking fears that the change is “squeezing languages out of the picture”.
schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
* arts GCSEs will be given equal status to humanities &d languages & removal of EBacc
* a new core enrichment entitlement to offer all access to civic engagement, arts & culture, nature & adventure, sport, and life skills
* exploring a new qualification for 16-18 yr olds in data science & AI
2/5
* a new core enrichment entitlement to offer all access to civic engagement, arts & culture, nature & adventure, sport, and life skills
* exploring a new qualification for 16-18 yr olds in data science & AI
2/5
November 5, 2025 at 9:15 AM
* arts GCSEs will be given equal status to humanities &d languages & removal of EBacc
* a new core enrichment entitlement to offer all access to civic engagement, arts & culture, nature & adventure, sport, and life skills
* exploring a new qualification for 16-18 yr olds in data science & AI
2/5
* a new core enrichment entitlement to offer all access to civic engagement, arts & culture, nature & adventure, sport, and life skills
* exploring a new qualification for 16-18 yr olds in data science & AI
2/5
“It’s no secret that the reductive use of restricted data sets like EBacc and Progress 8 has been driving decisions that undermine not just inclusion”
@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-labour-c...
@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-labour-c...
The missing piece in Labour's accountability narrative
Ofsted and curriculum reforms alone won't drive the system-wide inclusion Labour says it wants
schoolsweek.co.uk
February 1, 2025 at 7:13 AM
“It’s no secret that the reductive use of restricted data sets like EBacc and Progress 8 has been driving decisions that undermine not just inclusion”
@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-labour-c...
@carolinebarlow.bsky.social
schoolsweek.co.uk/how-labour-c...
The EBacc idea was designed in two days so Michael Gove could announce it on the Andrew Marr show
March 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The EBacc idea was designed in two days so Michael Gove could announce it on the Andrew Marr show
'GCSE and A-level entries for arts courses have plummeted since the Ebacc was introduced in 2011 and critics say the arts have increasingly become the preserve of the privately educated.' 3/3
March 3, 2025 at 6:44 AM
'GCSE and A-level entries for arts courses have plummeted since the Ebacc was introduced in 2011 and critics say the arts have increasingly become the preserve of the privately educated.' 3/3
I raised my concerns about the future of languages in the light of the DfE’s reforms to accountability measures in this thread a few months ago. Today’s @teachertapp.bsky.social tip suggests I was right to be worried and we’re seeing impact already. schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
April 29, 2026 at 3:32 PM
I raised my concerns about the future of languages in the light of the DfE’s reforms to accountability measures in this thread a few months ago. Today’s @teachertapp.bsky.social tip suggests I was right to be worried and we’re seeing impact already. schoolsweek.co.uk/ebacc-withdr...
I thought arts were de-emphasized in favour of STEM subjects in state school
For example EBacc doesn't contain an Arts stream
www.naht.org.uk/News/Latest-...
For example EBacc doesn't contain an Arts stream
www.naht.org.uk/News/Latest-...
The EBacc 10 years on: should it stay or should it go? Case study three
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is 10 years old this year. GCSE students are deemed to have achieved EBacc if they obtain a good pass in English (Literature or Language), mathematics, a science (ind...
www.naht.org.uk
March 4, 2025 at 9:03 AM
I thought arts were de-emphasized in favour of STEM subjects in state school
For example EBacc doesn't contain an Arts stream
www.naht.org.uk/News/Latest-...
For example EBacc doesn't contain an Arts stream
www.naht.org.uk/News/Latest-...
I think this @schoolsweek.bsky.social interview demonstrates how the focus of the curriculum review was subject related and secondary focused. I don't think it actually deals with key issues around young people's engagement and wellbeing within the English system.
schoolsweek.co.uk/interview-be...
schoolsweek.co.uk/interview-be...
Q&A: Becky Francis on the big ideas in her curriculum review
Chair explains thinking behind year 8 tests, scrapping EBacc and triple science guarantee
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 6:50 AM
I think this @schoolsweek.bsky.social interview demonstrates how the focus of the curriculum review was subject related and secondary focused. I don't think it actually deals with key issues around young people's engagement and wellbeing within the English system.
schoolsweek.co.uk/interview-be...
schoolsweek.co.uk/interview-be...
You can do things without touching the core academic curriculum to which all are entitled. I'd strengthen it by making EBacc entry (English, English lit, maths, science, a humanity and a language) compulsory.
August 3, 2026 at 8:21 AM
You can do things without touching the core academic curriculum to which all are entitled. I'd strengthen it by making EBacc entry (English, English lit, maths, science, a humanity and a language) compulsory.
School performance measures (SATs ebacc GCSE) being presented as vital qualifications for pupils. When they are just performance measures for posturing.
April 26, 2026 at 3:34 PM
School performance measures (SATs ebacc GCSE) being presented as vital qualifications for pupils. When they are just performance measures for posturing.
Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason knows the importance and benefits of music education more than most.
In her exclusive blog for the ISM, she shares her own experience of how the EBacc and Progress 8 measures devastated music provision in her children's school ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/kadiatu...
In her exclusive blog for the ISM, she shares her own experience of how the EBacc and Progress 8 measures devastated music provision in her children's school ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/kadiatu...
How the EBacc impacted my family's school music
Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason shares her own experience of how the EBacc is harming music and other arts subjects
www.ism.org
October 7, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Dr Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason knows the importance and benefits of music education more than most.
In her exclusive blog for the ISM, she shares her own experience of how the EBacc and Progress 8 measures devastated music provision in her children's school ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/kadiatu...
In her exclusive blog for the ISM, she shares her own experience of how the EBacc and Progress 8 measures devastated music provision in her children's school ⬇️
www.ism.org/news/kadiatu...