Labour claims the government undervalues the importance of cultural education. It asserts that the government’s policies are reducing the number of people qualified to work in Britain’s expanding cultural industries.
Last year, Sheffield Hallam University suspended its degree course in English Literature.
The government believes the “arts and humanities” are low-level courses. They think these courses do not lead to employment. As a result, universities have reduced the number of students taking these subjects.
Since 2010, the number of students taking arts GCSEs has fallen by 40%. The music industry contributed £4bn to Britain’s economy in 2021. Nevertheless, the number of students taking music has fallen by 27%.
Commenting on the government’s policy, the shadow arts minister, Barbara Keeley, is reported as saying:
“The government’s squeeze on arts, culture and creative subjects is self-defeating. The arts clearly help young people and the creative economy. Despite this, arts subjects and experiences have been systematically excluded. They have been downgraded within the state-funded education system.”
She stated that the government was denying young people the opportunity to reach their full potential. It was not right that these subjects were reserved for children whose families afford fee-paying schools.
North Staffordshire Heritage 