Three music subject associations have jointly urged the UK government to reverse cuts to secondary music teacher training targets and reinstate a withdrawn bursary, warning that schools cannot deliver music education ambitions without more specialist educators.
Music Mark reported that it partnered with the Independent Society of Musicians and the Music Teachers’ Association to write to the Secretary of State for Education, calling for urgent action on teacher recruitment.
According to Music Mark, the Department for Education has missed its own recruitment targets for secondary music teachers in 12 of the last 13 years, with trainee numbers falling 51.3% between 2010/11 and 2024/25. The music initial teacher training target has been cut from 820 in 2024/25 to 260 in 2026/27, Music Mark reported.
Music Mark stated that the DfE has withdrawn the £10,000 music training bursary for 2026/27, which was already significantly below the £29,000 offered for other subjects. The organizations warned that pending legislation making music compulsory through Key Stage 3 will increase demand for specialist teachers, while schools already struggle to fill positions.
The groups represent thousands of music teachers across England, the music hub network and associated partners, according to Music Mark.
For more information, visit musicmark.org.uk.