Report: The Need for Increased Status of Art Within a Broader Curriculum in UK Primary Schools Following the 2025 Curriculum Review

The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review in England signals a significant shift in educational priorities, emphasising the need for a broader and more balanced curriculum. Within this context, the status of art education in UK primary schools has emerged as a key area of focus. Historically, art has often been marginalised in favour of core subjects such as English and mathematics, largely due to accountability measures and performance-driven policy frameworks. This report examines the need to elevate the status of art within a broader curriculum, exploring its educational, social, and economic importance, as well as the implications of recent policy developments.

Historical Marginalisation of Art Education

Over the past decade, art education in UK primary schools has experienced a decline in status. Policy initiatives such as the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and an increased emphasis on standardised testing have led schools to prioritise core academic subjects. Although the EBacc primarily affects secondary education, its influence has filtered down to primary schools, shaping curriculum priorities and teaching time allocation.

According to the Cultural Learning Alliance (2025), there has been a measurable reduction in time and resources dedicated to arts subjects, including art and design. This has resulted in fewer opportunities for pupils to engage in sustained creative learning. In many cases, art is treated as a supplementary subject rather than an integral part of the curriculum, limiting its potential impact on pupil development.

Educational Benefits of Art in a Broad Curriculum

The inclusion of art as a central component of a broad curriculum is supported by extensive research highlighting its educational benefits. Engagement in art enhances creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success across all areas of learning (Cambridge International, 2023).

Art also supports cognitive development and contributes to improved academic outcomes. Studies indicate that pupils who participate in arts-rich curricula demonstrate higher levels of engagement, motivation, and attainment in subjects such as literacy and numeracy (Chartered College of Teaching, 2022). These findings challenge the traditional hierarchy of subjects and suggest that art plays a complementary role in enhancing overall educational performance.

Furthermore, art education fosters visual literacy and the ability to interpret and create meaning through images, which is increasingly important in a digital and media-rich society. As the curriculum evolves to reflect contemporary skills, the role of art becomes even more significant.

Contribution to Wellbeing and Personal Development

Beyond academic outcomes, art education plays a crucial role in supporting pupil wellbeing and personal development. In primary schools, where children are developing their identities and emotional awareness, art provides a valuable outlet for self-expression.

Evidence suggests that engagement in creative activities can reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and enhance overall wellbeing (Artis Foundation, 2024). This is particularly important in the context of rising mental health concerns among children in the UK.

Art also promotes confidence and a sense of achievement, especially for pupils who may not excel in traditional academic subjects. By providing alternative pathways for success, art contributes to a more inclusive and equitable education system.

Alignment with the 2025 Curriculum Review

The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review explicitly recognises the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum. The UK Government (2025) emphasises that education should support the development of the “whole child,” including creativity, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

One of the key proposals is the removal of the EBacc, which has been widely criticised for narrowing the curriculum. Its removal is expected to reduce the pressure on schools to prioritise a limited set of subjects, thereby creating space for the arts to flourish.

In addition, the introduction of a “core enrichment entitlement” aims to ensure that all pupils have access to arts and cultural experiences. This policy reflects a growing recognition of the value of experiential learning and the role of the arts in fostering engagement and inspiration.

These developments indicate a clear policy shift towards valuing art as an essential component of education, rather than an optional add-on.

Economic and Cultural Significance

The need to elevate the status of art education is also linked to the economic and cultural importance of the creative industries in the UK. The creative sector is one of the fastest-growing areas of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and national income.

By nurturing creativity and innovation from an early age, primary education plays a crucial role in developing the future workforce for this sector. A strong foundation in art education can inspire pupils to pursue careers in creative fields, supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry.

Moreover, art education contributes to cultural literacy and appreciation, enabling pupils to engage with the UK’s rich artistic heritage. This is essential for maintaining a vibrant cultural landscape and fostering a sense of national identity.

Addressing Inequality Through Art Education

A broader curriculum that includes art can also help to address educational inequalities. Access to high-quality arts education is often uneven, with pupils in disadvantaged areas facing limited opportunities.

The Cultural Learning Alliance (2025) highlights disparities in access to arts provision, particularly in schools with constrained resources. By embedding art within the core curriculum and supporting enrichment opportunities, policymakers can help to ensure that all pupils benefit from creative learning.

Art can also serve as an inclusive medium that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, making it particularly valuable in diverse classrooms. This supports social cohesion and promotes equity within the education system.

Challenges to Increasing the Status of Art

Despite the clear benefits, several challenges must be addressed to increase the status of art within the curriculum. Funding constraints remain a significant barrier, as art education often requires specialised materials and resources.

Teacher confidence and expertise are also critical factors. In many primary schools, art is taught by generalist teachers who may lack formal training in the subject. Without adequate professional development, efforts to enhance art education may be limited.

Additionally, while the 2025 review signals a shift in priorities, the continued emphasis on core subjects may still restrict curriculum time for the arts. Achieving a genuine balance will require sustained commitment and cultural change within the education system.

Conclusion

The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review provides a timely opportunity to address the longstanding marginalisation of art education in UK primary schools. Increasing the status of art within a broader curriculum is essential for supporting creativity, wellbeing, academic achievement, and cultural understanding.

While policy developments indicate a positive shift, their success will depend on effective implementation, including adequate funding, teacher training, and equitable access. Elevating the role of art is not only an educational priority but also a societal and economic necessity. By placing art at the heart of a balanced curriculum, UK primary schools can better prepare pupils for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

References:

Cambridge International (2023) Embracing art education in primary schools.

Chartered College of Teaching (2022) Why the arts belong at the heart of a broad curriculum.

Artis Foundation (2024) What could the future of arts in schools look like?

UK Government (2025) Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Cultural Learning Alliance (2025) The future of art and design in schools.