Engagement with arts and creative subjects in schools plays a vital role in building confidence, enhancing wellbeing, and fostering resilience among young people. However, ongoing financial pressures mean arts education often receives less investment, resulting in widespread exclusion.
According to a report by Child of the North and the Centre for Young Lives, up to 93 per cent of students are currently missing out on arts opportunities because of chronic underfunding. The situation has deteriorated further following the Covid-19 pandemic, with participation in extracurricular arts activities declining sharply from 46 per cent to just 37 per cent.
This trend persists despite research indicating that arts involvement can improve academic progress in subjects such as English, maths, and science. Moreover, the UK’s creative sector significantly contributes nearly £13 million to the economy every hour.
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In response, a new nationwide initiative titled Stepping Forward: Explore the Performing Arts is being introduced across schools in the UK. Developed by youth charity The Share Foundation, the flexible online series is designed to equip young people with valuable performing arts skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Originally launched last year exclusively for young people in care, the programme’s tremendous success has led to its availability for all students, accessible both in schools and at home.
Kelly Walsh, leader of performing arts at President Kennedy School in Coventry, has been piloting the programme with 23 Year 9 pupils and has already observed positive outcomes.
“Since starting this programme in April, students are gaining confidence and stepping beyond their comfort zones to try experiences they might never have encountered before,” she explained. “They are fully engaged, collaborating with peers and discovering their own voices, fostering resilience and essential skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. The transformation, even at this early stage, has been remarkable.”
One participant, 15-year-old Matthew from Telford, who has been in care since the age of five, has benefitted greatly. An accomplished guitarist and keyboard player, Matthew participates in a virtual school band.
“The programme helps build confidence and encourages a routine of engaging with what you enjoy,” he said. “It’s taught me new ways to develop my skills and improved my self-esteem. I’m thrilled that more young people will now have the chance to take part.”
Each episode of the series centres on a different theme, incorporating workshops, quizzes, and reflective questions to stimulate creativity. A wealth of resources is available to assist students in furthering their performing arts skills.
The course features contributions from industry professionals including Zoe Lister (known for roles in Hollyoaks and The Worst Witch), Pandora Christie (Heart Radio), Mo Jamil (The Voice UK), and Emeka Sesay (Top Boy & The Power).
Josie Rylance, project coordinator at The Share Foundation, highlighted the charity’s motivation for expanding the programme beyond young people in care.
“Our work with local authorities demonstrated remarkable success with the original Stepping Forward programme, and the positive impact on young people in care inspired us to make it accessible to all,” she stated. “We recognise the immense pressures schools face, but we are passionate about the wide-ranging benefits the performing arts bring, from enhancing creativity to building confidence - vital skills for all areas of school life and beyond. We’d encourage teachers, youth workers, and parents to get involved.”
The Stepping Forward: Explore programme is priced at £30 per student, with discounted rates available for group enrolments such as entire classes or year groups. The charity remains committed to offering free access to young people in care, including an ‘earn as you learn’ component, which supports those most vulnerable.
This element, known as the Stepladder Plus programme, enables young people in care to undertake courses in financial literacy, budgeting, and money management, earning up to £750 paid directly into their Junior ISA (JISA) or Child Trust Fund (CTF).
Matthew added, “As a music enthusiast, I wanted to expand my knowledge and explore broader aspects of the performing arts like lighting and stage direction - areas I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience otherwise. Currently, I’m interested in carpentry after school, and I want to keep playing music. The programme has boosted my confidence and helped with my music studies at school. I’d say to others: just give it a try. Plus, you can earn money for your savings, which is a nice incentive.”
The Share Foundation’s Stepping Forward programme represents a significant step towards restoring arts education, empowering young people to find their voices and develop skills essential for their futures.