The number of students studying drama at A level has dropped by more than half since 2010, according to research by Campaign for the Arts. Plays and speech days used to be a mass-participation staple of most schools, even if that was a Christmas pantomime. Drama teacher numbers have been cut, and resources are too finite to stage events.

It’s understandable that, in the recent past, headteachers have focused limited funds on “academic” subjects. But it doesn’t make as much sense in the AI age. We are living in a world where communication skills, expressing ideas and working collaboratively – and nowhere does this happen more than rehearsing a play – will be more increasing more important than being able to compile a report, say, or the maths needed for accountancy.