Gove's reforms endanger arts, warn ballet chiefs

Children will be denied the chance to pursue careers in dance, music and theatre because Michael Gove's new English Baccalaureate Certificate will exclude arts courses, the head of Sadler's Wells has warned.

The GCSE replacement, being introduced in 2015, will feature a core curriculum of English, maths and science, with foreign languages, history and geography following a year later. Art, drama, dance and music will not be included in the new certificate.Alistair Spalding, Sadler's Wells chief executive, Royal Ballet director Kevin O'Hare and English National Ballet artistic director Tamara Rojo have signed a joint letter to Mr Gove, the Education Secretary, protesting at the failure to include dance. Mr Spalding said: "It's a great pity because we are currently reaping the rewards of the investment in dance education."

A DfE spokeswoman said: "The EBC will not prevent any school from offering qualifications in dance, art, drama or music."