Accrington Academy scores a top Artsmark by the British Arts Council (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington Academy scores a top Artsmark by the British Arts Council

5:30pm Friday 6th July 2012 in Leisure By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

AN Accrington high school has secured a coveted award for its dedication to teaching its pupils the arts.

Accrington Academy has been given the Artsmark by the British Arts Council.

Bosses at the school said they were ‘delighted’ to have won the award.

The Queen’s Road West school’s production of Grease, and creative work such as making a giant puppet for another project, won over British Arts Council judges.

The Artsmark is national recognition, and congratulates schools on their commitment to providing excellence in arts education.

This award recognises the academy’s commitment and proficiency of skill in the arts.

Accrington Academy principal Andrew O’Brien said: “We’re delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the dynamic arts programme we have here at the Academy.

“Artsmark is more than a mark of distinction to us; it is fantastic that our academy has been recognised as providing an outstanding arts offering.

“I would especially like to thank Nicky Grace for all her hard work in helping the academy to achieve this.”

He added: “The award puts Accrington Academy firmly on the map for outstanding aptitude in the arts, and its commitment to providing exciting, and creative, experiences for its students.”

Alan Davey, chief executive of the Arts Council, said: “The Arts Council believes the earlier children are encouraged to be creative, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with learning. This can transform these children’s lives and give them a voice.”

Artsmark is nationally recognised as a prestigious award. It is backed by the Department of Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Comments are closed on this article.