*
banner

Lower priority music provision faces 50% cut in Higher Education funding

The UK Government proposes a 50% cut in funding to music students in Higher Education in England.

Broken
  Music provision is a "lower priority" according to the proposal

The UK Government has revealed that it proposes that funding for Higher Education courses in England which it says "...are not among its strategic priorities — covering subjects in music, dance, drama and performing arts "are to be subject to a reduction of 50%".

Lower priority

The details were confirmed in a 51 page document entitled 'Consultation on recurrent funding for 2021-22', issued by the Office for Students (OfS) based on a statutory guidance letter written by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.

It states that while the Government wants, "provision in those subject areas to continue to be widely available," it says that it believes, "they are nevertheless lower priority for OfS funding than other high-cost subjects."

A consultation process has now been put in place which runs to 6th May 2021. Anyone with an interest in finance for those in higher education can respond to the proposals at:

https://survey.officeforstudents.org.uk/s/RecurrentFundingConsultation2021-22

Catastrophic

In responding to the news, which it said had been given at far too short of notice, the Musicians Union stated that the proposed funding cut would be "catastrophic for music provision at HE level", adding that it would affect, "our members' work, the financial viability of music courses, and training for the next generation of musicians and music professionals."

The document from the Office of Students states that the Government is giving an extra £11 million to its recurrent grant for the year 2021-22 to £1,330 million.

However, it goes on to say that it has "to support a significant increase in student numbers that has been reported for the 2020-21 academic year, as well as some further additions expected for the 2021-22 academic year.

This means that there is a reduction to the average funding that we are able to provide per full-time equivalent student."

50% reduction

It is revealed that this in turn will see funding increases of up to 12% for subjects such as high-cost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and/or specific labour market needs, whilst a 50% reduction in courses that "are not among its strategic priorities"- covering music, dance, drama and performing arts alongside art and design, media studies and archaeology.

Overall funding for these subjects will decrease from £36 million to £19 million.

whilst the Government wants, "provision in those subject areas to continue to be widely available", it says that it believes, "they are nevertheless lower priority for OfS funding than other high-cost subjects."4BR

Fulfilling experience

The Office for Students is the independent regulator for higher education in England that it says "aims to ensure every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers."

Their regulatory objectives include ensuring that students "receive a high quality academic experience, and their interests are protected while they study or in the event of provider, campus or course closure; are able to progress into employment or further study; their qualifications hold their value over time, and, they receive value for money."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Ben Haemhouts

Leadership schedule keeps Haemhouts in business

October 23 • The Chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission brings musical insight to the business community.


Glyn Williams

RBC students inspired by Williams

October 23 • The brass band students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire have enjoyed an inspirational visit from euphonium legend Glyn Williams.


National Youth Orchestra

National Youth Orchestra enjoys record response

October 23 • A record number of young players applied to gain a place on the 2026 National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain


Brass in Concert

Sold out signs up at Brass in Concert

October 23 • It will be a packed Glasshouse in Gateshead for this year's Brass in Concert Championship — but you may still get lucky...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd