Industry groups and Arts Council England welcomed the reforms, while some opposition voices warned that scrapping the EBacc could undermine standards and equity without adequate funding and a robust teacher workforce plan.

Education figures describe the reform as an evolution rather than a revolution, aiming to close gaps for disadvantaged students while safeguarding core cultural foundations.

The reforms open pathways to reimagine music education, with forthcoming discussions at industry events focusing on accreditation, career pathways, and school-industry partnerships.

The proposal sits within a wider public curriculum review aimed at balancing science, math, and the arts, including broader literacy and media education.

Beyond the EBacc change, the curriculum expands into practical skills such as media literacy, climate change, financial literacy integrated with maths, and new focus on oracy alongside reading and writing.

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A broad reform of England’s curriculum aims to scrap the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and overhaul arts and music education, with a four-term notice period before implementation and a focus on expanding creative subjects while preserving core taught content.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson underscored the goal of strengthening the creative industries and the educational foundation to sustain global leadership in arts education.

The final report notes a worrying decline in GCSE music participation, with 61% of high-disadvantage schools not entering any students for GCSE music in 2024/25, prompting calls for investment in instruments, music-reading instruction, and broader access.

Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges and pledged commitment to delivering change as part of the government’s education agenda.

The policy momentum has drawn notable backing from high-profile artists and institutions, reinforcing a broad coalition for arts-centric reforms.

Industry voices from Creative UK, Equity, and the Independent Society of Musicians hailed the move as historic for expanding access to arts education and strengthening the creative economy.