“Music is not a nice-to-have part of the curriculum for the privileged few. It is a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils”. This is the claim from the Minister for School Standards, Nick Gibb, in his introduction to a new call for evidence on music education.

The DfE is seeking views to inform its national plan for music education. This call for evidence will gather views on what is working well and areas which should be built on in refreshing the national plan to ensure it remains fit for purpose.

Whilst music is compulsory in the curriculum from key stages 1 to 3 with an entitlement at key stage 4 if desired, the call for evidence asks whether this is being delivered.

The deadline for responses is 13 March 2020.