The state of arts subjects in England’s schools has been a highly contested topic in recent years – with claims that changes to performance measures, along with financial pressures in schools, have caused a decline in entries. Such arguments have been rejected by the Department for Education.

Drawing on data covering arts subject entries by Key Stage 4 cohorts over the past ten years, this timely EPI report seeks to add clarity to this debate. Along with overall trends, the report also examines how arts entries vary
between different regions, and by pupil characteristics – such as gender, socio-economic status, and prior
attainment.