The Department for Education (DfE) will invest £15m in a number of schemes over the next three years, following the publication of an independent review of cultural education.

Classic FM managing director Darren Henley was commissioned to lead the review in April 2011, with recommendations to make England's cultural education "the envy of the world".

Among the initiatives to be implemented will be a new national youth dance company, which will receive £600,000 over three years from Arts Council England (ACE) and DfE.

New national art and design Saturday clubs will be established with £395,000 of government support and additional cash from both the Paul Hamlyn and Esmee Fairbairn foundations.

Elsewhere, English Heritage will receive £2.7m over three years to work with schools to help young people explore historical sites in their local area. A film academy is also planned.

Education secretary Michael Gove said: "Many children, especially poorer children, do not visit museums or art galleries, or go to concerts or the theatre, with their families.

"That is why we must strengthen what is offered in schools. Cultural education must not be a closed shop for poorer pupils. I want to end any suggestion that high culture is only for the privileged few."

An ACE spokesperson said: "We are encouraged that many of the recommendations in the review align closely to our own priorities for children and young people.

"We particularly welcome the recommendation for an improved strategic overview and investment in cultural education and greater collaboration across the cultural education funding bodies."

Details: www.education.gov.uk
Details: www.artscouncil.org.uk

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