Cockburn School’s provision in the arts has been awarded Artsmark Platinum status for the second time in recognition of the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.
Artsmark is Arts Council England’s award recognising excellence in cultural education. It celebrates schools’ commitment to embracing arts across the curriculum and bringing creative learning to life for children and young people.
Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It transforms teaching through creativity, empowering teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and is proven to support pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
Cockburn School has a long-standing involvement with Artsmark and has previously held the Artsmark Gold and Platinum status. The Platinum Award has been achieved following two years of development, which began with an assessment of the arts and cultural experiences already on offer in the school.
As of September 2024, 51% of Artsmark schools have achieved Artsmark Silver, 40% Artsmark Gold and just 9% hold Artsmark Platinum
Arts Council England aims to ensure that every child and young person has the opportunity to experience the richness of the arts and they have recognised Cockburn as being a top provider.
The process was incredibly rigorous and the school were assessed on many areas of their provision including arts in the curriculum, extra-curricular arts activities, how they work with artists and arts organisations and how well their arts provision impacts on staff development and the wider community. They are thrilled with the decision as they know just how creative and talented the young people of South Leeds are.
The assessor was particularly impressed stating:
“Can we come to your school, please? It sounds brilliant! We were impressed by your strong, long-term commitment to the transformative power of the arts, which is making a difference to arts-based practice within school and to other professionals within the local area.”
The school’s partnerships with the Leeds SCITT/Leeds Trinity University and Leeds33 were seen as huge strengths. The assessor also highlighted that Cockburn School supports “other secondary specialists and primary staff across the MAT” and that “there is strong SLT and governor support. Pupils can access an established range of timetabled provision throughout the school, with increased numbers taking qualifications at KS4, alongside many extra-curricular activities.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said:
“I would like to congratulate Cockburn School on their Artsmark Award. Creative activities and cultural experiences enrich our lives, open our minds to new possibilities and help us make sense of the world around us. As an awarded Artsmark school, you’re demonstrating that by offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, your young people will develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
Rob Dixon, Head of School at Cockburn School said:
“I am delighted that we are celebrating Platinum Artsmark status again after going through such a detailed and rigorous process. This attests that arts and cultural provision continue to flourish in the school. I am extremely proud of the professional work that our creative and talented students and staff create.”
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn School
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