Creativity is regarded by many as a vital aspect of the human world, and creative endeavours are seen as a central element of society. Hence student creativity is regarded as a desirable outcome of education. This inaugural professorial lecture examines the place of creativity in education and in national curricula. Beginning with examples of creativity in music, it looks at new research findings on creativity in European Union member states and the place of creativity in the national curricula of the countries of the UK. Finally the lecture addresses the extent to which creativity is represented in the national curriculum in England, and critically examines what should be done to enhance creativity in education.