Study reveals barriers for working-class youth in UK creative industries

A new report from the Sutton Trust reveals that young people from working-class backgrounds face significant barriers to entering the creative industries in the UK. The study highlights that these fields are dominated by individuals from affluent backgrounds, particularly those educated at private schools. The report shows that while only 7% of UK students attend private schools, a large percentage of successful classical musicians and actors come from these institutions. For example, 43% of top classical musicians and 35% of Bafta-nominated actors are private school alumni. In contrast, pop stars reflect the general population more closely, with only 8% privately educated. The Sutton Trust calls for measures to improve access to creative education, including funding for arts opportunities in schools and banning fees for auditions at state-funded institutions. The organization emphasizes the need for socioeconomic diversity in the creative workforce and is working with the British Screen Forum to promote targeted initiatives.