The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College receives prestigious Artsmark Award.

Pupils and staff at The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Artsmark Award in a momentous year for the programme as it celebrates 20 years of arts, culture and creativity in schools.

The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It supports schools to develop and celebrate arts and cultural education, putting creativity and wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum. Artsmark ensures every young person can be creative and access a diverse, high-quality cultural education.

In order to achieve their Gold Artsmark Award, the large secondary school and sixth form college had to develop their arts and culture provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.

EMS was supported by Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums (Culture Bridge North East) – North East in planning and developing their objectives. Culture Bridge worked alongside the school at various stages to support their Gold Artsmark Award achievement.

The Artsmark assessor commended the school on its: "long-term commitment to arts and culture which is beginning to have measurable effects on staff and pupils. All pupils can access a diverse and consistent range of arts and cultural provision through work with local arts and cultural organisations, both in school and on visits outside the classroom, which leads to showcasing in school and the local community."

On receiving the award, Headteacher Mrs Sara Crawshaw said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Gold Award."

"We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and we look forward to continue to develop our offer.”

Arts Governor Matthew Hutchinson said: "Congratulations to all staff and students who have embraced the legacy of arts at EMS and are continuing to maintain ambition for the arts and our commitment to our local area’’

Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: “I would like to congratulate The English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College on their Artsmark Award."

"Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, ambitious, and creative curriculum, every pupil can develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”