PUPILS and staff at Beacon Hill Academy in Thurrock are celebrating after achieving an Artsmark Platinum Award – this is the highest award that any school can be given!

The Artsmark Award is accredited by Arts Council England. It supports schools to develop and celebrate arts and cultural education, putting creativity and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.

Beacon Hill Academy on Erriff Drive, South Ockendon, caters for pupils with severe and complex needs.

The school has created a programme of arts activities that pupils can share in alongside their friends from local mainstream schools. There are opportunities for pupils to take part in accessible activities within their local communities and local artists regularly visit the school – the most recent workshop, much enjoyed was on African Drumming.

Youngsters at Beacon Hill making music

The Artsmark assessor commended Beacon Hill on its "expertise in delivering arts based sensory sessions" as well as their commitment "to develop the skills of partner settings, arts organisations and artists to deliver inclusive arts education for non-verbal students with complex needs."

The assessor also congratulated the students of Beacon Hill and highlighted how they are "actively involved in promoting the values of tolerance and respect through arts and culture by being involved in your interschool Arts Projects which break down barriers between SEND and mainstream students and actively promote equitable access to, and diversity in, arts and culture."

On receiving the award, Amanda Bradley the schools Cultural Champion said: "We're extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Platinum Award. It has been great to see the joy our students get out of taking part in all the fun arts activities.

Dr Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: "I would like to congratulate Beacon Hill Academy on their Artsmark Award. Becoming an Artsmark Platinum 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."