London context
Curriculum change still threatening to marginalise arts subjects. 23% of schools that have dropped subjects as a result of the EBacc have cut drama and performing arts(i).
A 90,000 shortage in primary school places by 2015-16. This is the top concern of 51% of London's councillors(ii). This will mean new, and different, schools across the capital.
The greatest diversity of school types in the country. There have been three applications to establish a free school for every thousand pupils, three times the national average(iii).
New kinds of provision – like University Technical Colleges – may mean new opportunities for partnership.
The education leaving age is rising to 18 from 2015. Schools will need to keep more young people engaged, for longer.
75% of London schools are judged to be good or outstanding by Ofsted compared to 69 % of schools across England
The potential of cultural education
Enriching the curriculum. New freedoms for schools may mean more creativity and innovation in the curriculum; the cultural sector can help fill this gap.
Making schools attractive to young people, parents and teachers as great places to work and learn(iv). As schools become more competitive, could cultural partnerships give them the edge?
Partnership examples
The Museum Magnet School in New York, in partnership with the Lincoln Centre, has turned its young people into "museum researchers" by deeply embedding museum resources into the core curriculum, and so increasing attendance and supporting diversity.
