Twenty-six more primary and secondary schools across England are to become “Schools of Creativity”, to spread further the development of creative teaching and learning practices.

They join the 30 announced last October as “the leading edge of a… national creative learning programme”.

“We want to support young people to develop the right skills fit for the 21st century world of work, and to place creativity at the heart of young people’s learning” said culture minister Barbara Follett. “These schools will be at the cutting edge of what can be achieved when schools are supported to be creative, right across the curriculum.”

The programme is part of Creative Partnerships which, since the first round was announced, has become part of the new and independent Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE).

Over the next two years each school will receive £40,000 and an education consultant to help develop and promote creative learning. Some schools will have to restructure timetables to ensure that all lessons provide opportunities for creativity “within a safe risk-taking environment”. Others will develop existing projects such as improving children’s literacy through film-making and using outdoor learning spaces to spark innovation and creativity.

The programme’s task is to help raise educational standards and develop skills in students that employers need, such as the ability to question, make connections, innovate, problem solve and reflect critically.

Paul Collard, chief executive of CCE, said: “Our education system needs to reflect the ever changing society we are in. All young people must leave school with good qualifications and a range of skills designed to equip them for the working world – whatever this may look like in the future. The Schools of Creativity will not only progress with their own journey of transformation but their work will help local schools to develop their practice and influence the national agenda.”