Baroness Bull to lead cultural education plan advisory panel

A joint statement by the Department or Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced the creation of a panel to oversee the development of a plan to improve cultural education for young people.

Chaired by former dancer and creative director of the Royal Opera House Baroness Bull, the panel of 22 includes teachers, education leaders and representatives from the performing arts, museums, heritage sectors.

The plan aims to 'articulate and highlight' importance of high-quality cultural education in schools. It will also aim to promote the value of cultural and creative education, outline and support career progression pathways, address skills gaps and tackle disparities in opportunity and outcome.

Click here to see the full panel

The development of the plan will be informed by extensive engagement with children and young people, teachers, school leaders and professionals in the cultural, creative, education and youth sectors.

The government is undertaking a series of around 50 listening exercises, working with organisations including the Confederation of School Trusts, Royal Shakespeare Company, National Youth Agency, Creative UK, the Royal Society of Arts, and the Arts Council England’s Youth Advisory Board.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb said:

"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 said:

"High quality cultural education is a vital component of a well-rounded education, equipping young people to enjoy and participate in arts and culture and supporting their personal and social development in ways that will sustain them as individuals, into the workplace and throughout their lives.

"Recognising the many stakeholders that contribute to cultural education in, around and beyond schools, the panel brings together expert voices and perspectives from education and the cultural sector across the country. 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."