LONDON, ENGLAND.- Arts Council England announced today that 1,167 schools have been awarded an Artsmark in the fifth round of the national arts award for schools. More schools have achieved an award this year than ever before and the total number of Artsmark schools now stands at 3,067.

The Artsmark award recognises schools that have made a strong commitment to the arts and that have developed a nationally recognised range of arts provision for their pupils. The aim of Artsmark is to encourage schools to increase arts provision to pupils and to raise the profile of arts education across the country.

Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair of Arts Council England said: “It is very encouraging to see so many schools showing such dedication to the teaching and learning of the arts. Enhancing opportunities for young people to engage with and practise the arts is a key priority for the Arts Council, and one of our strongest pledges for the future. My warm congratulations to all those who have achieved a richly-deserved Artsmark award this year.”

The development of the award was led by a partnership between Arts Council England, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department for Education and Skills, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, Ofsted and Sport England.

David Lammy MP, Minister of Culture said, “I am delighted to be able to offer my wholehearted support and congratulations to all those schools that have received an award in the fifth round of Artsmark. They should be proud of their hard-earned achievement and I hope teachers and pupils alike will take the opportunity to celebrate their success. The fact that 31% of secondary schools have now achieved Artsmark clearly illustrates the value and importance that schools place upon the arts. As more and more teachers and artists work together we can look forward to a surge in pupils’ creativity and an enriched curriculum that is broad, balanced and fun."

Andrew Adonis, Under Secretary of State for Schools, said: "Children and young people are naturally creative and enjoy expressing themselves. I believe the arts make up a vital part of a varied and diverse education and it's important that children are given the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their skills. Artsmark encourages schools to make an extra effort in this area."

There are three levels of Artsmark: Artsmark, Artsmark Silver, and Artsmark Gold. Awards are offered annually and are valid for a period of three years.

Following a school-led application process, which was supported through assessment and validation by education and arts professionals, the Arts Council has awarded: 498 Gold Artsmark awards, 435 Silver Artsmark awards, and 234 Artsmark awards.