Today this letter was sent to Samantha Niblett MP as part of Music Kids Academy's ongoing push to promote music and arts in our education system.
Dear Samantha Niblett MP,
I hope this message finds you well.
As a constituent and a lifelong advocate for music education, I am writing to raise an urgent matter concerning the state of arts education—specifically music, drama, art, and dance—in our schools. This issue transcends party politics and goes to the very heart of the kind of society we want to build for future generations.
Under successive governments, both Labour and Conservative, creative subjects have been consistently marginalised in the national curriculum. This is not a legacy issue of one political party; it is a failure of the collective to recognise and invest in the transformative power of the arts. Today, we stand at a critical juncture. Will the Labour Party, under its current leadership, commit to reversing this damaging trend and restoring creative subjects to their rightful place in our schools?
The evidence in favour of arts education is overwhelming:
Mental Health and Well-being
The link between music and mental health is undeniable. Studies published in Nature Neuroscience and other peer-reviewed journals demonstrate that music reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical that boosts mood and motivation. For students grappling with the mental health crisis sweeping our young people, music could be a lifeline. Yet it is often the first subject to be cut when budgets are tight.
Academic and Cognitive Benefits
Research repeatedly shows that children who participate in music education perform better in core subjects like maths and reading. A study conducted by the University of California, for instance, revealed that students involved in music score higher in spatial-temporal reasoning—critical for success in STEM fields. These skills are not “extras”; they are the building blocks of a thriving, innovative economy.
Economic Contribution
The UK’s creative industries are a global powerhouse, contributing over £100 billion annually to the economy and providing over 2 million jobs. The arts foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience. By neglecting arts education, we risk eroding the very talent pipeline that sustains this growth.
Community and Social Development
Schools that integrate the arts—like Feversham Primary Academy in Bradford—demonstrate how music can transform not only academic outcomes but also community cohesion and student confidence. Music is not a luxury; it is a proven tool for social mobility and inclusion.
Despite these compelling facts, creative subjects continue to be sidelined. In 2023, one in five secondary schools in England had no dedicated music teacher, and many primary schools offer only a tokenistic exposure to the arts. This decline has occurred under both Conservative and Labour governments, leaving me—and many others—wondering: will your party be any different?
The Labour Party has an opportunity to lead the charge in making arts education a priority. Concrete steps must include:
Restoring Funding for Creative Subjects
Creative subjects must no longer be treated as dispensable. Ring-fenced funding for music and arts education is essential. Schools must have access to the resources they need, from instruments to specialist teachers.
Making Music Education Universal
Finland, a global leader in education, integrates music into its core curriculum with stunning results. Will Labour commit to ensuring every child in the UK has access to sustained, high-quality music education throughout their school years?
Addressing Inequality
Access to music education is a postcode lottery. Children from lower-income families are disproportionately affected by the decline in arts education. What specific policies will Labour enact to close this gap?
Incentivising Teacher Training and Retention
The lack of qualified music and arts teachers is a growing crisis. Labour must make teacher training in the arts a priority, with incentives for schools to employ specialists who can deliver high-quality creative education.
Labour has historically positioned itself as the party of fairness and opportunity. There is no better opportunity to embody these values than by championing the arts. Creative education is not an indulgence; it is a necessity, one that shapes critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the kind of creativity that drives progress in every field.
I urge you to provide a detailed response outlining Labour’s plans to revitalise arts education and ensure that the next generation has access to the transformative power of music, art, drama, and dance. This issue cannot be sidestepped with platitudes or deflections—it demands action.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to your reply and to seeing how your party intends to address one of the most pressing educational challenges of our time.
Yours sincerely,
Brendan O’Neill
Founder and Lead Music Specialist
Music Kids Academy
01332 314055
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