The Department for Education has appointed a panel of experts to oversee the development of a plan to improve cultural education.
The panel will be tasked with supporting all pupils to access “high-quality cultural education” and tackling disparities in opportunity and outcomes for young people.
It is made up of 22 people, including teachers and education leaders, along with representatives from the performing arts, the culture sector and creative industries.
Baroness Bull, who has experience as a performer in the Royal Ballet and a creative leader at the Royal Opera House, will chair the panel.
Sir Hamid Patel, chief executive of Star Academies multi-academy trust, has been appointed as the panel’s vice-chairman for education.
The announcement of the panel follows the publication of a parliamentary report that warned arts education in schools was at “crisis point”.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said that it was important that schools “provide an extensive, knowledge-rich curriculum that includes the arts, music and heritage”.
He added: “The cultural education plan will help pupils instil a love and interest in culture throughout their education, along with guidance for those who wish to pursue creative and cultural industry careers”.
Baroness Bull highlighted how the panel will bring together experts from education and the cultural sector.
“I look forward to working with them to ensure the government’s cultural education plan amplifies, extends and equalises cultural education, experiences and opportunities for all children and young people, whatever their background and wherever they live,” she said.
