'Higher standards' for arts A-levels and GCSEs announced

9 April 2014, 14:06 | Updated: 9 April 2014, 14:08

Music, drama, art & design and dance qualifications in the UK are to be reformed alongside P.E., religious studies, and technology, Education Secretary Michael Gove announced today.

The changes are set to remove qualifications which are not endorsed by businesses and employers, and create 'high-quality, rigorous, demanding qualifications across the academic and vocational curriculum'.

GCSEs and A levels in religious studies, design & technology, drama, dance, music and PE, and GCSEs in art & design, computer science and citizenship will be reformed and taught from September 2016. The new curriculum content will be drafted by experts in the field.

Education Secretary Michael Gove said: "I am passionate about great art, drama, dance, music and design, and I am determined to ensure every child enjoys access to the best in our culture. I also want all schools to be able to nurture creative talent in every child.

"That is why I am delighted that new high-quality qualifications in creative and cultural subjects will be made available to all students."

Chief Executive of the Incorporated Society of Musicians Deborah Annetts said she was delighted by the announcement.

An excellent and welcomed decision - particularly as Government policy has not always been clear around the value it places on #musiced.

— ISM (@ISM_music) April 9, 2014