The arts play an important role in enriching young people’s learning and educational experiences. Learning through the arts can engage and inspire young people, support key educational outcomes and develop skills that prepare young people for life beyond school. For many young people, particularly those experiencing the most disadvantage, the only opportunity to gain access to arts education is at school.

Exposure to the arts can help to unlock potential in young people, developing skills in communication, collaboration, creativity and problem solving. In addition to the enjoyment and enrichment the arts bring, arts education can increase young people’s engagement in school and learning.

Where good practice exists in schools, colleges and the arts organisations that work with them, the benefits for young people are significant. In an increasingly fragmented school system, there is an appetite for collaboration between teachers and arts organisations to explore and improve their practice and the outcomes for young people. We are also responding to teachers’ interest in having increased opportunities to develop their skills and professional practice in teaching through the arts.