Into Film included in Government's Schools White Paper

The publication of the new Schools White Paper marks an important and encouraging moment for education. At its heart is a clear ambition: to ensure every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of background.

Much of the coverage and scrutiny will rightly focus on SEND provision. But there is also exciting news for enrichment: the Government has committed to widening opportunity, supporting inclusion, and embedding a national Enrichment Framework. While the Framework itself is still forthcoming, the White Paper sets out a clear vision for high-quality enrichment as an essential part of every child's education.

We are proud to be explicitly referenced in the paper alongside Duke of Edinburgh's Award, National Youth Theatre, Clore Duffield Foundation, Raspberry Pi Foundation, Young Enterprise, Youth Sport Trust and Natural History Museum, as organisations bringing our expertise, passion and programme to deliver a strong and well-rounded enrichment offer to all children.

Why enrichment matters

Creative and cultural learning, from arts and sport to civic engagement and moving image education, helps pupils develop confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Research across the political spectrum, from the Education Policy Institute, the Centre for Social Justice, the Cultural Learning Alliance, the Centre for Young Lives and others, has consistently demonstrated that participation in enrichment activities is linked to improvements in attendance, wellbeing, pro-social behaviour, educational attainment and long-term employment outcomes.

Government longitudinal research has similarly shown positive impacts on physical health and wellbeing. Enrichment is not peripheral; it is serious, impactful and powerful. Yet access is uneven. One in five pupils currently receives no enrichment activities in a typical week, rising to one in four among disadvantaged pupils. The White Paper recognises this gap and signals a positive step toward more equitable opportunities.

Moving image education: engaging, collaborative, empowering

Film, TV, and video games are among the most influential cultural forms in young people's lives, and moving image education naturally supports the skills that schools want to nurture: teamwork, resilience, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. Through filmmaking projects, classroom resources, and shared cinema experiences, young people learn to analyse, collaborate, and tell their own stories.

The White Paper emphasises that schools do not operate in isolation. Multi-academy trusts, local collaborations, and partnerships with charities and cultural organisations strengthen the reach and quality of enrichment. As the forthcoming Enrichment Framework develops, these partnerships will be essential in delivering an ambitious, inclusive offer.

Into Film is ready to support schools, trusts, and policymakers as the sector builds on this momentum. When every child can experience cinema, discuss ideas, and create their own stories, we are not just enriching education, we are expanding opportunity, confidence, and ambition. With sustained commitment, access to high-quality enrichment, including film and filmmaking, can be a reality for every child, in every community.