Admiral Lord Nelson School, based in Portsmouth, is one of a handful of schools from around the country that has received the Artsmark Platinum Award. The new award has been established by Arts Council England to acknowledge the work of outstanding schools in the field of the Arts.

Recipients of the prestigious award have to demonstrate that their schools arts and culture curriculum offers a wide variety of learning in alternative arts and culture subjects such as digital installations, videography or public art. Older students should have the opportunity to have greater input into what they learn, how they learn and how they record their learning, and schools must demonstrate that they have supported other schools with curriculum design.

Platinum Award winners need to show that their children have access to a wide range of national arts and culture experiences including trips to theatres, art galleries and museums, and that children have access to dance events, and installations and public outdoor art.

Julia Firth, Head of Performance at Admiral Lord Nelson School said: "Our journey started in June 2015 when we were asked to pilot the new award. We completed a detailed case study, outlining good practice within the school relating to the Arts. It was a lengthy task, but it highlighted the amazing things that happen at the school, from school plays to dance shows and music gigs. Finally we were rewarded with the news that the Arts at Admiral Lord Nelson School are outstanding."