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Culture Minister Ed Vaizey has today launched an independent review of cultural education, which will be led by Classic FM Managing Director Darren Henley.

Mr Vaizey said that all children, regardless of background, should have a solid cultural education and this review follows on from Mr Henley’s well-received review of music educationearlier this year.

“Our culture brings audiences from across the world and we are particularly adept at producing world-leading performers and artists,” said Mr Vaizey. “To remain in such a strong position we need to be sure that we are giving children the best start in their cultural education.”

Defining a cultural education

Darren Henley is today issuing an open invitation (PDF 23kb) to anyone who wants to contribute to the consultation and feed into his review. He will aim to create a definition of what a solid cultural education should comprise of and how to make sure that all young people benefit from it.

“I hope to provide ministers with a report that shows how we can build on current successes in this area to develop a cultural education system which rivals that of other countries around the world,” said Mr Henley. “As part of the consultation I’m undertaking before writing my report, I look forward to hearing from teachers, parents and pupils as well as individuals and organisations involved in delivering the whole spectrum of cultural education to young people in England”.

Welcoming the report Michael Gove Secretary of State for Education said: “Every child should be exposed to rich cultural opportunities. Too often, this is a privilege reserved for the wealthy few. This must change. This important review will play a key role in ensuring that children from all backgrounds can reap the benefits of our culture and heritage.”

The review is expected to make its recommendations in the autumn.