The decline in music education within England’s state schools is an ongoing concern. Despite clear evidence of its benefits, music remains under-prioritised in the curriculum, largely due to funding constraints and policy changes, such as the introduction of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc).
Between 2013 and 2023, there was a 30% decrease in students doing music GCSEs and a 43% decrease in doing A-Levels. These alarming statistics raise an essential question: Can playing music boost students’ academic success?