The number of music entries decreased by 1.8 per cent across the UK and 2.7 per cent across England
An analysis from the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) has shown that, for the third year in a row, fewer than 5,000 pupils in England took A-level music.
Despite a slight uptick in 2024, there has been a 1.8 per cent decrease in music entries across the UK in the last year. The decrease in England specifically was 2.7 per cent. There has, however, been a slight increase in Wales and Northern Ireland since 2024.
Overall, entries in England have fallen 44.8 per cent since 2010, when the English Baccalaureate was introduced.
Commenting on the results, ISM chief executive Deborah Annetts said, ‘Congratulations to all young people receiving their exam results today and thank you to all their music teachers. It is disappointing that the small increase in entries last year has not continued this year. The ISM believes that all pupils should have access to music education in schools and our research shows that too many are still being denied the opportunity to pursue this beyond Key Stage 4, which is reflected in the decline in A-level entries since 2010.
‘When the Curriculum and Assessment Review publishes its final report this autumn, it is vital the government takes the opportunity to deliver on its warm words about music education and reforms the Progress 8 and EBacc accountability measures. I would encourage all classroom music teachers in England to complete our latest survey and share their experiences.’
A-level music has been under threat for several years, with a 2021 report indicating that it may disappear altogether by 2033, as The Strad reported in 2021.
It also took a significant blow during the pandemic when a 2020 report revealed that almost 10% of primary and secondary schools were not teaching classroom music at all.
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