There is evidence that accommodation and resources for art and design in schools is both declining and extremely variable. Five years ago the Office for Standards in Education reported that “annual expenditure on art in secondary schools ranges from the very poor at 70 pence per pupil on roll, to very good at more than pound;8, with a median value of pound;2.88, unchanged from last year”. Since that time it has not been possible to make year-on-year comparisons because OFSTED changed the way it publishes data.

The National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) thought these figures worryingly low and there was anecdotal evidence of further decline from this low base. Lack of hard information was a problem and schools had little information on which to make comparisons with others. So NSEAD, the Association of Advisers and Inspectors for Art and Design and the Clore Duffield Foundation (sponsor of “Artworks”, the National Children’s Art Awards) collaborated earlier this year on a national survey of art and design provision in schools.

The principal finding was that annual spending on art and design materials for secondary pupils in state-maintained schools has deteriorated since 1996 to pound;2.68 per pupil, while some schools were spending as little as 60p. By comparison, the average spend per pupil in independent schools is pound;12.40, and at least one independent school spends pound;26.68 per pupil per year.

In primary schools the comparable figures are pound;1.18 at key stage 1 and pound;1.29 at KS2. The survey contains much detailed information and, for example, reveals a widespread lack of training, expertise and confidence in using ICT in art and design. Class sizes for art and design in secondary schools are larger than for the average of all subjects taken together - this is despite the obvious health and safety issues common to practical subjects. Less than half of primary and secondary schools organise visits or residencies with artists or designers, or collaborate with local galleries. And less than a quarter of secondary schools require all pupils at KS4 to study at least one arts subject.

The survey has been sent to the Department for Education and Skills for comment and questions are to be asked in Parliament.

* See the full survey report at www.art-works.org.uksurveyindex.html or tel: 01249 714825 for a copy.

John Steers is a senior research fellow at the University of Surrey Roehampton and general secretary of the National Society for Education in Art and Design, The Gatehouse, Corsham Court, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ. Tel: 01249 714825. Web: www.nsead.org