A pilot survey was sent to members of the senior leadership team at every school in Leeds in 2023, designed to collect data about schools’ arts curriculum and extra-curricular delivery of arts and cultural activities. The pilot intended to gauge response and validate the approach and methodology. In subsequent years second and third phase surveys were sent out.
Key findings from the third phase of survey responses are presented on this page, based on responses from 19 of the 293 schools included within the study, seeing a decreased response rate since the second phase.
Headlines
The headline statistics below refer to the headline findings from all survey responses provided.
The headlines below describe the responses given by staff when asked about their school's commitment to pupil entitlement in the arts. For example, every pupil learns a musical instrument, or has the opportunity to go on trips each year.
The percentages below refer to the proportion of each school type, out of 19 unique schools counted in the survey, who said their school has a commitment to pupil entitlement in the arts.
Why do you rate your school's arts curriculum as excellent/good?
There is a wide variety across the school with strong progression. Children are engaged and feel successful and can continuously talk about different artists.
Primary school respondent
We have a dedicated hour per week to all KS3 students for Drama, Dance, Music and Art. Uptake to extra-curricular clubs and KS4 courses are strong in all four disciplines
Primary school respondent
We offer music, drama and art each week to all students, with a wide enrichment offer and many local, national, and international trips.”
Secondary school respondent
How would you rate your school's extra-curricular and arts enrichment offer?
Why do you rate your school's extra-curricular arts offer as excellent/good?
We offer so much! And because we have just been OFSTED inspected and they commented on the width and breadth of extra curricular.
Through school respondent
We have had clay workshop trips and workshops at in sketchbooks at Leeds gallery. We have our set up our own museum which all children access for foundation subjects. We have had dance workshops and performances in schools provided by a range of providers.
Primary school respondent
Very well attended. Large numbers participating. Wide range on offer from small scale clubs to large major production. We also track disadvantaged participation rates which are also strong.
Tell us about these partnerships and their benefit to your school:
Artforms have supported our musical education for many years and this has enabled our pupils to gain access to a varied musical world at primary school and beyond. Leeds Library Service- school assemblies informing children of upcoming book events and competitions, which encourage children to read different genres and engage in books in different ways outside of school.
Primary school respondent
Increased participation in the arts in and out of school.
We have the opportunity to gain skills from other members of the industry that we cannot offer ourselves.
We gain essential CPD and have the opportunity to apply for funding and bursaries.
Our students have the opportunity to work with people external to the school and we are also assisted with the organisation of bigger projects. We are also offered opportunities to see live music for free/reduced cost to develop the cultural capital of our students.
Secondary school respondent
Subject areas of the organisations and creative practitioners engaging with schools:
Out of the 19 unique schools used in this analysis:
The section below provides an overview of the survey responses when school staff were asked about the funding and support they have accessed to enable arts and enrichment activities in their school.
