Fostering creativity, confidence, and community

Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School is a two-time Artsmark Gold school. Their Artsmark journey has transformed learning, embedding creativity into daily school life. Through inclusive arts experiences, strong partnerships, and community events, the school has built a culture that celebrates creativity and supports wellbeing. 

At Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School, our Artsmark journey has truly transformed the way we teach and learn. Creativity, music, and art are now woven into everyday school life, touching every child, teacher, and family. We’ve worked hard to make sure that every pupil, no matter their background or needs, can access inspiring and empowering arts experiences. The result is a school that celebrates creativity, supports wellbeing, and builds a real sense of community and belonging. 
 

Where we began and how we got here

We were proud to retain our Outstanding Ofsted judgment in January 2025, and since then, our commitment to inclusion and creativity has only deepened. In September 2024, we opened a dedicated SEND classroom for children with complex needs, offering tailored learning experiences, including weekly music therapy sessions led by our specialist music teacher. These sessions have played a huge role in supporting our most vulnerable pupils. 

Our passion for high-quality arts education shines through our partnerships, from working with Essex Music Hub and leading the Primary Creativity Cards project, to organising community events like the Burnham Singing Playgrounds Festival. 

Everything we do links closely with Artsmark’s focus on creativity, inclusivity, and quality arts education. We’ve hosted music festivals, displayed student artwork in galleries, and built exciting partnerships that have made the arts part of every subject. Our strong focus on creativity was highlighted in our Ofsted report, where the arts were praised for enriching the curriculum and helping close the disadvantage gap. 

The impact has been incredible and the numbers tell a clear story:

94.3% say they enjoy art lessons 

97.5% believe art helps their mental health 

92.5% see art as an important subject in school 
 

The arts boost confidence, wellbeing, and engagement 

Academic outcomes in art and music have also risen, and participation in clubs like drawing, dance, and choir has soared. Our extracurricular offer now includes more arts-focused clubs, with pupils taking part in performances such as Young Voices. 

A real highlight has been the rise of our Art Ambassadors, who lead creative projects, run competitions, and help organise whole-school events. As one Year 5 pupil proudly shared: 

I love art because I get to show my ideas and make them come to life. I feel proud when my work is displayed for everyone to see. 

That sense of pride and ownership perfectly captures the spirit of the arts at our school. 
 

The wider impact on staff, leadership, and community 

Our Artsmark journey has also inspired our staff and community. Teachers have grown in confidence thanks to CPD opportunities like Subject on a Page, which help them deliver creative, high-quality lessons. Parents have become more involved too - especially through our professional gallery exhibitions, where pupils’ framed artwork was displayed for the whole community to enjoy. Over 90% of children said they felt proud seeing their work showcased. 

Our Singing Playgrounds Festival brought together 240 children from six local schools, celebrating creativity and connection. Partnerships with organisations like The Paperbirds Theatre and Essex Music Hub have given pupils access to amazing expertise and resources that have truly enriched their learning. 

Our Artsmark journey has helped us weave the arts into every part of school life, from the classroom to the wider community. It’s made us more creative, inclusive, and connected than ever before. As we look ahead, we’re excited to keep building on this, giving every child the chance to experience the joy and confidence that comes from the arts. 
 

You can follow Burnham-on-Crouch on Instagram: @burnhamoncrouchprimary. 

Feel inspired? Register for Artsmark by midnight on Sunday to get 20% off your registration fee.