Pupils and staff at Ashmount are celebrating after receiving the prestigious Platinum Artsmark Award.

Artsmark is Arts Council England’s award for schools and education settings that champion cultural education. It celebrates settings that embrace the arts across the curriculum, bringing them to life for children and young people.

In order to achieve the Artsmark Award, Ashmount had to develop arts and culture provision to embed a broad and balanced curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.

Staff and students were supported by Attenborough Arts in planning and developing their initial objectives, working alongside the school at various stages to support their Artsmark Award achievement.

As an Artsmark school, Ashmount gained access to exceptional networks and resources from some of the most treasured cultural organisations in the country, which helped to strengthen and deliver their arts provision. Through Artsmark, Ashmount will continue to incorporate art and culture into every pupil’s life, learning, knowledge and understanding, helping them to build skills, resilience, confidence and character.

On receiving the award, Deputy Head Abi Steady said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Platinum Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and we look forward to continuing to grow with Artsmark.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “I would like to congratulate Ashmount School on their Artsmark Award. As an Artsmark school, Ashmount exemplifies how the Award can help schools to achieve a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring that each of its pupils is given the opportunity to explore and build a love of the arts that will remain with them as they go through adult life.”

Students who took part in the recent poetry project were awarded individual certificates at a special ceremony at Ashmount in July.  A presentation of their work was also on display for parents and visitors to view.