Campaign for the Arts director Jack Gamble added that the figures underline “why action from the government cannot come soon enough”.
“We welcome their restated commitment in last week’s Creative Industries Sector Plan to give every child access to creative subjects at school – but they needn’t wait until a new curriculum is implemented to start turning this situation around.
“Especially while the curriculum and assessment review is ongoing, we urge ministers to do everything they possibly can to support schools and cultural organisations in maintaining and expanding arts opportunities for children and young people,” he said.