GCSE Results Day 2018: uptake of creative subjects down by over 10%

Figures published today – GCSE results day – by the Joint Council for Qualifications show a 10.2% decline in the uptake of creative subjects – defined as Art & Design, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, Media/Film/TV Studies, Performing/Expressive Arts and Dance – at GCSE in the past year in the UK.

Deborah Annetts, Chief Executive of Incorporated Society of Musicians said:

‘Many congratulations to students on their hard work and achievements in their GCSEs this year.

Over the past year, the uptake of creative subjects at GCSE has fallen by over 10%. The fall in Design & Technology and Performing/Expressive Arts in particular are terribly concerning. This is against a background of the government claiming that the EBacc is not detrimental to the take up of arts GCSEs. This is simply not true.

We call on the government today to reverse the deeply damaging EBacc policy. More than ever we need a comprehensive education policy which will give our students what they need in a post-Brexit, digital world. The EBacc simply isn’t it.
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The EBacc is actively undermining the skills pipeline and putting the future success of our creative industries at risk.’

Table of Figures: