Boosting School Performance and Brain Power.
We all want our kids to thrive—not just on stage, but in the classroom too. And while creative classes might seem like the “fun” stuff, there’s a growing body of evidence showing they’re actually doing a lot more heavy lifting than you might think.
If you’ve ever worried that time spent dancing, singing or acting could be taking away from academic learning, think again. The truth is, performing arts are powerful brain boosters—and they can give your child a serious head start in everything from reading to maths to memory.
Arts Education = Academic Advantage
Let’s start with the numbers. According to the Education Endowment Foundation, students involved in arts activities make, on average, an additional three months of academic progress compared to their peers. That’s not just feel-good fluff—it’s real, measurable impact.
Why? Because creative learning doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Singing strengthens language and memory. Dance improves concentration, coordination and spatial awareness. Drama helps with storytelling, empathy and clear communication. These aren’t just performance skills—they’re foundational tools for literacy, numeracy and overall cognitive development.
What the Science Says
Brain research backs this up. Studies show that music training activates multiple areas of the brain at once—improving memory, attention span and even mathematical reasoning. In fact, researchers have found that children who engage with music regularly are more likely to develop strong phonological awareness, which is critical for learning to read.
Similarly, drama isn’t just about acting out stories—it’s about understanding them. Through role-play, children learn sequencing, cause-and-effect, emotional cues and vocabulary. It strengthens their ability to listen, think on their feet, and speak with clarity—skills that show up in stronger writing and speaking at school.
Even movement matters. Dance has been shown to enhance children’s ability to follow patterns, grasp timing, and think both creatively and logically—all essential skills in early maths.
It’s Not Either/Or: Creativity Supports Core Learning
It’s easy to think of school and the arts as two separate worlds—one serious, the other optional. But the reality is, they complement each other beautifully. Creative subjects give children the chance to explore ideas in different ways, helping them absorb information more deeply and apply it more confidently.
When a child is engaged, they learn better. When they feel confident, they’re more willing to try. And when they enjoy what they’re doing, that love of learning sticks.
From Stage to Classroom (and Beyond)
What happens in a creative class doesn’t stay there. Performing arts help children develop discipline, focus and persistence—traits that transfer straight into their academic life. They also teach collaboration, listening, and critical thinking—skills that will serve them well not just in school, but in life.
We’ve seen it firsthand. The shy six-year-old who found their voice through drama is now breezing through classroom presentations. The dancer who learned to count music beats is acing her times tables. The child who once struggled with reading now recites scripts with confidence and clarity.
So, Are Performing Arts Worth It? Absolutely.
For parents who want the best of both worlds—emotional development and academic achievement—the arts aren’t a side dish. They’re a smart, science-backed part of a child’s overall education.
So next time you see your child lost in a story, singing their heart out, or improvising a scene with friends, know this: they’re not just playing. They’re learning. And they’re growing into the kind of creative, capable thinker the world needs.
References:
Education Endowment Foundation (2023). Arts Education and Academic Attainment
UCL Institute of Education (Millennium Cohort Study)
Arts Council England (2022). Arts and Learning Evidence Review
Royal Society of Arts (2023). Creativity in Education
National Literacy Trust (2023). Drama and Literacy Link Report