Class inequality is prevalent in the creative industries in the UK, where individuals from affluent backgrounds are more likely to dominate high-profile roles, according to a report on Wales Online. The research from the Sutton Trust revealed that more than two in five (43%) of top classical musicians attended independent schools, a stark contrast to the UK average of 7%. Similarly, Bafta-nominated actors are five times more likely to have attended fee-paying schools compared to the general population.
The report highlighted the challenges faced by young people from working-class backgrounds in accessing opportunities to study creative subjects at prestigious institutions and to secure work in the creative sectors. A comparison between individuals from upper-middle-class and working-class backgrounds showed a clear disparity in representation in the creative fields. The study also found that students from affluent backgrounds dominate creative courses at institutions like the Russell Group universities.
At universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, and Bath, more than half of creative students come from upper-middle-class households, further exacerbating class inequalities in the sector. The research also revealed that a majority of students at specialist institutions like the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music had a private school education. Young individuals from working-class backgrounds are around four times less likely to work in the creative industries compared to their middle-class counterparts, indicating systemic barriers to entry.
The Sutton Trust report underscored the need for addressing these inequalities in the creative industries by advocating for an “arts premium” in schools to support arts education, including music lessons. The charity recommended banning conservatoires and creative arts institutions that receive state funding from charging for auditions to promote fair access to opportunities. Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access to creative education irrespective of socio-economic background.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, expressed concerns about the decline in support for creative subjects and called for a reversal of this trend to prevent exclusivity in arts education. The Independent Schools Council acknowledged efforts by independent schools to provide opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds but cautioned against blanket taxation policies that could limit access to arts education for both state and independent school pupils.
The report’s findings shed light on the urgency of addressing class inequalities in the creative industries to create a more inclusive and diverse sector. By promoting equal access to creative education and opportunities, policymakers and institutions can help level the playing field for aspiring creatives from all backgrounds. The call for action to dismantle barriers and foster a more representative creative workforce resonates with the need for a fair and inclusive society where talent and merit are the sole determinants of success.