AN Abingdon secondary school has once again been awarded the highest mark achievable from the UK Arts Council.

Larkmead School was accredited with a Gold Artsmark for a second year, recognising its high quality provision of arts education.

Headteacher Chris Harris said: “We are delighted to have retained this prestigious acknowledgement of our arts provision for students in the first three years of their secondary experience.

“The award of Gold Artsmark recognises the kaleidoscope of provision, which includes working with professional artists and producing high quality artefacts.

“The award confirms that we at Larkmead develop and celebrate the arts. In a closely monitored and assessed world our creative expression provides a vital response to the world, and for our students provides a framework of experiences which celebrate our humanity.”

An Arts Council assessor said the school showed confidence in monitoring its students’ progression in the arts.

The assessor added: “I observed good practice teaching and learning for the arts. The arts are championed at the highest level and this is of significant as it promotes succession planning and sustains and develops the arts to a high level of ambition. (Pupils) spoke with confidence about the facilities and resources and, most importantly, the inspirational teaching practice that they receive.”