Culture minister Ed Vaizey has launched an independent review of cultural education in the UK, which is to be led by Classic FM managing director Darren Henley.

According to Vaizey, all young people should have the opportunity to learn about the UK's cultural, architectural and film heritage and to take part in performance and visual arts. It follows research that found that "quality cultural education" can have a welcome impact on academic attainment, as well as on behaviour and concentration.

Vaizey said: "Our culture brings audiences from across the world and we are particularly adept at producing world-leading performers and artists. "To remain in such a strong position we need to be sure that we are giving children the best start in their cultural education."

Henley added: "Providing children with an excellent cultural education provides them with knowledge and skills that stay with them for the rest of their lives. "I hope to provide ministers with a report that shows how we can build on current successes in this area to develop a cultural education system which rivals that of other countries around the world."

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