Pupils and staff at Marine Academy Primary in Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, are celebrating as the school has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Artsmark by Arts Council England, the national development agency for creativity and culture.   Artsmark schools gain access to exceptional resources as well as networks of the country’s most treasured cultural organisations, helping them develop and strengthen their arts provision.  

After a two-year journey of reinvigorating their curriculum, forging links locally, nationally and internationally, as well as working with other schools and universities, Marine Academy Primary unveiled its Platinum Artsmark award to Governor and Local Councillor, Pat Patel, and some incredibly talented children.  Marine Academy Primary joins just a handful of arts rich schools in the UK, ensuring that everyone there can achieve the highest creative standards on a daily basis.

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings. It can help unlock young people’s potential, building their confidence, character, and resilience. Artsmark’s clear and flexible framework can be used to embed creativity across the whole curriculum, address school improvement priorities and ensure every young person can access a diverse, high-quality cultural education.  It is awarded at three levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. 

The award assessors noted that the school has featured in two university studies about ‘Arts Rich’ schools and has prioritised art interventions for learners who need emotional support.  They also highlighted that a range of new opportunities have been added to the school’s existing offer, which are rich in music and visual art and that a new dedicated rehearsal space has been created.

Nicola Keeler and Georgina Reid Co Headteachers at Marine Academy Primary said:

“We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Award, especially at the Platinum level. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and would encourage anyone who has a child entering reception this September to consider applying to join us now!”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

“I would like to congratulate Marine Academy Primary on their Artsmark Award. Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, ambitious, and creative curriculum, young people have the opportunity to develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.  

“As the Arts Development Leader school for the whole trust, it’s brilliant that all our Ted Wragg schools will benefit from your expertise in developing the arts curriculum.”