WESTLEIGH High School is celebrating after being awarded an Arts Mark Gold.

Students and staff celebrated becoming one of only 400 schools in the country to gain the award which was introduced four years ago and judges the quality of classroom teaching, after school clubs and opportunities for children in the arts.

Independent assessors then visited the school to judge the quality.

Three years ago, Westleigh was awarded an Arts Mark Silver. Since then, the school has introduced Dance for all students including GCSE, a GCSE in Media Studies, its staff also spend one day a week providing Music and Dance outreach work for local primary school pupils.

Westleigh's head John Pout said: "As a Technology College, our Maths, Science, ICT and Design has to be very good. To get Arts Mark Gold as well shows the quality of Art, Drama, Dance and Music is also excellent.

"To achieve this prestigious award is more difficult for a small school because more is expected of each teacher. However this award is due recognition of the quality of their work. To go from Arts Mark Silver to Arts Mark Gold shows how much the school is improving."

Sir Christopher Frayling chairman of Arts Council England Chair praised the school: "Every young person should have a basic entitlement to participate in and experience the arts.

"Westleigh High School receiving Arts Mark Gold displays a commitment to providing young people with a wide range of arts activities that we believe all students should strive for."

Pupils and Teachers from Westleigh High School, Leigh join in with the Indonesian celebrations for Arts Mark Gold

Award.