DfE launches National Centre for Arts Education

The Department for Education (DfE) is establishing the National Centre for Arts Education (NCAE) to increase young people’s access to high-quality arts education in school and widen opportunities regardless of background.

Etio, a key DfE delivery partner, is set to begin delivery in November 2026, alongside research partner Birmingham City University (BCU), and quality assurance partner the Chartered College of Teaching (CCT). NCAE will also be supported by Arts Council England. 

NCAE will be led by educational leader, researcher and music educator, Dr Steven Berryman, alongside a team of expert senior advisers, supporting more than 10,000 schools in underserved areas.

NCAE is set to champion high-quality education in art and design, dance, drama and music. It will comprise four priority programme pillars: supporting excellent teaching through targeted professional development delivery; promoting arts education; overseeing the Music Hubs network; and providing national strategic leadership and philanthropic coordination. 

NCAE is expected to become a trusted source of information for pupils, families and teachers, pairing classroom learning and enrichment opportunities with qualifications, further study and career pathways, including opportunities in the creative industries.

As the programme develops, NCAE wants to hear from schools, teachers and arts organisations. A dedicated website is expected to launch soon, providing information on the programme and its further initiatives starting over the next few months. 

NCAE will also create an extensive engagement programme, through which education and cultural partners can share their perspectives on what high-quality arts education looks like in schools.

Dr Steven Berryman, NCAE Executive Director, said: “I am honoured to lead the National Centre for Arts Education which will champion arts education and address inequality of opportunity, ensuring all young people are encouraged and empowered to hone their creative talents, regardless of their background. 

“With falling numbers of young people engaging with creative subjects, it is imperative that we place renewed emphasis on the importance of arts and music educational pathways. I am excited to work in partnership with schools and the cultural sector to ensure an excellent arts education is possible for every school.”