Member Article

North East schools score top marks with Artsmark awards

Successful schools from across the North East are to receive their Artsmark awards at a ceremony hosted by Arts Council England on Thursday 3 July.

103 schools in the region have been awarded Artsmark status in the 8th round of the national arts award for schools. The award recognises schools that have made a strong commitment to the arts and have developed a nationally recognised range of arts provision for their pupils.

St Agnes RC Primary School, Gateshead was one of 55 schools to be awarded the Gold Artsmark. Mrs Hudson, Head teacher, said: “We are delighted that our contribution to the Arts curriculum in our school has been recognised by our successful application for Artsmark Gold. Well done to all our children who enjoy art, music, drama and dance so much, and to all the staff who are so gifted in these areas.”

The main aim of Artsmark is to encourage all schools in England, primary, secondary and special, to increase the range of arts provision to pupils and to raise the profile of arts education across the country. Awards are offered annually at three levels: Artsmark, Artsmark Silver, and Artsmark Gold. This year 55 of the region’s schools gained Gold Artsmark, with 36 schools receiving Silver Artsmark and 12 schools awarded Artsmark.

Mark Robinson, Executive Director of Arts Council England, North East said: “Artsmark sets the standard for an outstanding arts offer in schools and it’s great to see so many new schools attaining the Artsmark award this year. The award recognises passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity. Arts Council England is committed to great art for everyone and we believe that the earlier children and creatively inspired, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with art.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .