School is top of the class

PUPILS are celebrating after their school won a top award.

Alleyne's High School, in Stone, has been awarded an Artsmark Gold in recognition of the school's commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.

Since Artsmark began nine years ago, almost 10,000 awards have been made, with 1,649 schools receiving the award this year.

Headteacher at Alleyne's, Karen Lockett, said: "I'm delighted that the Arts Council has recognised our dynamic arts education programme.

"Our students have really enjoyed working with the Glyndebourne Opera Company, which involved students in music and drama workshops, followed by a theatre visit to Mozart's Magic Flute.

" I would like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award."

A school must dedicate a minimum of 10 per cent of its curricular teaching time to the arts to receive an Artsmark.