The Impact of Creative Partnerships on Attainment and Attendance in 2008-9 and 2009-10

Caroline Sharp, Tom Benton, Louise Cooper

03 October 2011

Executive Summary

Creative Partnerships is the Government's creative learning programme, designed to develop the skills of young people across England, raising their aspirations and achievements, and opening up more opportunities for their futures.

This research presents findings from the 2011 study to explore the evidence of the programme's impact on young people’s attainment and attendance.

Key Findings

The study found a number of significant positive effects when comparing pupils who had taken part in Creative Partnerships with other similar pupils in the same school. The main findings were:

  • At key stage 1, pupils involved in Creative Partnerships activities made greater progress in speaking and listening in both 2009 and 2010
  • At key stages 3 and 4, pupils involved in Creative Partnerships activities made greater progress. At key stage 3, pupils made better progress in their average points score and English results in 2009 and 2010. At key stage 4, pupils made better progress in their overall GCSE scores in 2010.
  • There was some evidence to suggest reduced levels of total absence in secondary schools in 2009, and reduced levels of unauthorised absence in primary schools in 2010.

Additional information

impact of Creative Partnerships on attainment and attendance in 2008-9 and 2009-10

Sponsor Details

Creativity, Culture and Education