We are delighted to learn from the recent Ofsted report on the pupil premium that several schools have allocated a portion of these funds to “subsidising trips”; “funding visiting authors and theatre groups”; and “music, dance or drama lessons”.

However, only about one-third of schools seem to be allocating pupil premium funds to these kinds of activity. All the evidence shows that engagement with the arts at an early age can have a life-changing effect on children, particularly those who might struggle with mainstream education.

We urge all headteachers to spend part of the pupil premium on the arts to tackle the inequality too many of our children face in accessing and participating in high-quality cultural education.

Jeremy Newton, Chief executive, the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.