New national centre puts arts education at heart of every child’s future

A new national centre tasked with revitalising arts and music education in England will draw on Birmingham’s world-leading creative and educational expertise, with Birmingham City University (BCU) and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC) playing a role in its delivery.

The National Centre for Arts Education will seek to ensure that where a child lives or what their family can afford does not determine whether they get the chance to discover and develop their creative potential.

BCU is part of the consortium appointed by the Department for Education to establish and operate the Centre, alongside consortium lead Etio and the Chartered College of Teaching.

Dr Adam Whittaker, associate professor of Music and Head of Pedagogy at RBC, and Dr Anthony Anderson, sssociate professor of Music Education in BCU’s Department of Education, will lead the University's contribution to the national initiative.

Together, they bring expertise spanning music education, pedagogy and educational research to help strengthen arts education provision for children and young people across England.

For RBC Principal Stephen Maddock, the initiative is an opportunity to take the lessons of specialist arts education in Birmingham to children and young people across England.

“Every child should have the opportunity to discover the creative subjects that can enrich their education, broaden their horizons and become the foundation of a future career,” he said.

“We see every day the transformative impact that high-quality music education can have. We also see the extraordinary talent among young people when they have the opportunity, encouragement, and expert teaching to develop it.

“The real challenge is making sure that geography or family circumstances do not determine whether a young person gets access to excellent arts education. That is why the Centre matters.”

The centre will work across art and design, dance, drama and music, supporting teachers, schools and cultural organisations. It will oversee the national music hubs network from September 2027.

Maddock said Birmingham was particularly well placed to contribute to the programme.

“Birmingham and the West Midlands have a remarkably rich ecosystem of schools, cultural organisations, universities, professional musicians and creative practitioners,” he said.

“BCU and RBC are proud to bring that experience to a national partnership. This is an opportunity to make sure that the expertise and creativity we have here can help open doors for young people right across the country.”

Dr Whittaker said: “This is a vital moment for young people’s access to arts education. We are looking forward to bringing our research understanding of music education to critical conversations and strategy development in partnership with Etio and sector stakeholders.”

Dr Anderson added: “Young people have an entitlement to creative development in their local area, and the new National Centre represents significant investment in creative pathways for all. We are delighted to be part of realising arts professional development open to all teachers.”

Dr Fay Glendenning FCCT, head of Department of Education at BCU, said: “Every child and young person deserves access to high-quality arts education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“I’m delighted BCU is at the heart of shaping a national programme that puts creativity at the centre of education, and ensures every young person has the opportunity to thrive.”

Pictured: BCU acting students