State schools are dramatically falling behind the independent sector when it comes to giving their pupils access to music lessons and learning musical instruments, the record industry has warned.

Research published today shows barely one in 10 schools in the most deprived parts of the country offer their pupils the chance to play in an orchestra as opposed to four in five private schools.

According to the figures, one in four schools serving disadvantaged communities offer no music instrument lessons to students that want them. This is opposed to almost all independent schools and those serving affluent communities offering such classes.

The report also reveals state schools have seen a 21 per cent decrease in music provision over the last five years whereas private schools have increased provision by 7 per cent over the same period.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/news/education/state-schools-falling-further-behind-private-sector-in-teaching-music/

The independent school debate: An unfair advantage or a quality education?

Two writers from Prospect Magazine debate whether or not independent schools 'are a blight on society'. The columnists look at whether the schools are “An unfair advantage that damages our society—or a quality education that produces intelligent, well-rounded pupils? 

Simon Heffer explains that ‘Although just under 7 per cent of children go to a private school, 18 per cent of those aged over 16 are taught in them. No wonder, therefore, that so many of them get into good universities. In a free society the market will satisfy demand; and because of the shortcomings of state education after the age of 16, private schools do just that.’

The best universities unquestionably take a disproportionate number of ex-private school pupils. However, that is because they seek to take students who can cope with the intellectual demands of their courses, which it is in no one’s interests to dilute. 

Read more at: https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/are-private-schools-a-blight-on-english-society