Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, Mansfield, has received the Artsmark Silver Award from Arts Council England.

The award was said to highlight the hard work that staff at the academy, part of Diverse Academies, have put in to offer a broad and balanced curriculum that includes arts subjects.

New principal Kimberley Willmot said: “The academy has developed an engaging arts offer for our students, and we are proud to have been recognised by Artsmark with this award.

“Our initial aim was to secure the bronze-level award, so to surpass that and achieve a silver award is testament to our dedicated staff.

“It is their desire that ensures arts subjects are accessible to students through our curriculum and enrichment opportunities.”

The assessors from Artsmark commented: “You have remained dedicated to developing your arts offer and should feel justifiably proud of the tangible effects of your hard work.

“Staff have continued to use the Arts as a means of enriching the curriculum for pupils, organising visits to local arts and cultural venues.

“You have extended your arts offer, with significant improvements to the music curriculum so that students in key stages 3 and 4 now have regular opportunities to create, compose and perform.

“Through your collaboration with Inspire, and by renewing links with Nottinghamshire Music Hub, a range of instrumental tuition is now offered.

“As a result of your efforts, student uptake of the Arts has increased significantly and is having a positive impact on students’ self-confidence.

“For the future, we look forward to learning about the further impact of your burgeoning partnership with the National Youth Choir and National Youth Orchestra.”

For anyone wishing to find out more about the Arts offer at Queen Elizabeth’s Academy, their Year 6 Open Evening takes place on Wednesday, 18th September – further details can be found on the academy website www.queenelizabeths-ac.org.uk