Gove drops a musical hint

The Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has strongly hinted that music will return to the national curriculum.

Speaking yesterday on BBC Radio 3's Music Matters programme, Mr Gove said: "Anyone looking at the care and dedication that's gone into the national music plan... would presume that it would be eccentric of the Department of Education not to have music in the national curriculum. I can't go further than that. That's as big a hint as I feel I can drop at this point."

The Government announced last month that every child in England would be given the chance to learn to play an instrument when its National Music Plan is rolled out next summer.

Mr Gove said that regardless of reduced funding – current spending of £77.5m will drop to £58m in 2014-15 – he expected improved music standards.