Schools Steer Girls, Low-Income Students Away From Creative Careers

Study finds underrepresentation of women and poorer students in creative fields starts early in education system

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:04am

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A new study from the University of Cambridge found that schools, families, and social pressures are channeling young people - especially girls and students from lower-income backgrounds - away from studying creative subjects like art, music, and drama. The report argues this "narrowing pathway" begins at school and continues through higher education, leading to an underrepresentation of these groups in creative industries.

Why it matters

The underrepresentation of women and lower-income individuals in creative fields has been an ongoing issue, and this study sheds light on the educational dynamics that contribute to this disparity. With the creative industries identified as a high-potential sector in the UK's Industrial Strategy, ensuring equitable access to these opportunities is crucial.

The details

The study used educational records of 1.7 million students in England, longitudinal data on 7,200 young people's career paths, and interviews with those in creative fields. It found that while nearly half of 14-year-olds enjoyed creative subjects, only 1 in 25 ended up working in a creative occupation by their early 30s. Participation dropped at every stage - GCSE, post-16, and higher ed - with an especially steep fall-off among poorer students and girls. The report cites underlying "hierarchies" that devalue creative subjects and qualifications from further education colleges.

  • The study was funded by the Nuffield Foundation and conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
  • The full report will be available on the Faculty of Education website.

The players

Professor Sonia Ilie

Researcher from the University of Cambridge's Faculty of Education who worked on the study.

Professor Pamela Burnard

Co-lead on the study from the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Emily Tanner

Education Programme Head at the Nuffield Foundation, which funded the research.

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What they’re saying

“If you have a university degree in a creative subject, you are much more likely to end up in a creative career. Young people from low-income families, however, and especially girls, are less likely to reach the point where studying for a creative degree is even an option.”

— Professor Sonia Ilie, Researcher, University of Cambridge Faculty of Education

“The FE offer we saw in our study is clearly on a par with so-called 'academic' routes and is producing amazing students who could succeed in creative degrees and jobs. Equally, just because university is not a preferred route for some should not mean that they cannot access future employment.”

— Professor Pamela Burnard, Co-lead on the study, University of Cambridge

“With creative industries identified as among the highest-potential sectors in the UK's Industrial Strategy, this research is timely. It shows that ensuring equitable access to opportunities will require concerted action to remove barriers for girls and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

— Dr. Emily Tanner, Education Programme Head, Nuffield Foundation

What’s next

The full report from the University of Cambridge study will be made available on the Faculty of Education website.

The takeaway

This study highlights the systemic barriers that steer girls and low-income students away from creative subjects and careers, despite their initial interest. Addressing the underlying biases and inequalities in the education system will be crucial to fostering more diverse and inclusive creative industries.