A FLIXTON school has been awarded a prestigious Artsmark award for showing commitment to, and excellence in arts education.

Flixton Girls High School learned they had attained the highest level Gold standard last week, news which headteacher Julie Hazeldean said had ‘thrilled’ the whole school.

"Flixton Girls' has always had an excellent reputation for the arts and the gold award is formal recognition of this,” she said.  “It tells everyone of the school's commitment to high quality provision on the curriculum and also enrichment activities including working with real artists.  “The Arts Mark Gold Award demonstrates Flixton's determination and capacity to achieve very high standards and we are all thrilled!"  To receive an artsmark, schools must dedicate a minimum of 15 per cent of its curricular teaching to the arts, provide arts training for teachers, and be able to show involvement with local artists and art groups.

Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, added: “Arts Council England is committed to great art for everyone and we believe that the earlier children are creatively inspired, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with art.

“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 Flixton Girls’ High School’s passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity.”