On the road with Artsmark - a year of inspiring visits
During the last school year, the Artsmark and Goldsmiths teams enjoyed getting out and about to visit a diverse range of Artsmark schools. Each visit offered a unique insight into how arts, culture and creativity are being embedded into the curriculum, celebrated across whole school, and are empowering both staff and pupils. These visits have not only highlighted the creativity and commitment within each school community but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, equity, and advocacy in arts education. Here’s what we saw.
Wellington School, Cheshire
Wellington School impressed with its vibrant Year 7 off-timetable day, showcasing a wide range of creative activities from painting and photography to game design and Design Technology projects. The school’s commitment to reading for pleasure and community engagement was evident, with inclusive spaces for SEND pupils and a strong arts presence throughout. Wellington hold two Artsmark Gold awards and are hoping to achieve Platinum soon. They said they welcomed the support and resources on offer to help them on their journey.
Oak Meadow Primary School, Wolverhampton
Oak Meadow Primary’s “University of Oak Meadow” enrichment week brought the curriculum to life across four faculties with activities including Creative & Culture, Mental Health & Wellbeing, STEM and Physical Health. The school’s Brazil-inspired decor and enthusiastic student engagement reflected a deep commitment to the arts. Staff were passionate and welcoming, and the visit underscored the value of Artsmark’s visibility in schools. It was clear to see how proud headteacher, Paul Lane, was about how much the arts are embedded throughout the curriculum, giving credit to the hard work and passion of his teaching staff. It was clear to see how well the children were engaged and confident with the school’s approach to teaching and learning.
Oldfleet Primary School, Hull
Oldfleet Primary is leading the way in embedding arts and culture across its curriculum, guided by Creative Arts Lead, Chris Holmes. The school’s creative sessions, such as music and dance, link to local history and showcased how arts can enhance learning and engagement, especially in a community with limited access to cultural experiences. Their future plans include a podcast studio to boost writing skills and pupil voice. Staff are really enthusiastic about Artsmark and committed to building cultural capital through partnerships and innovative projects.
Malmesbury School, Wiltshire
Malmesbury School’s annual M Fest was a joyful celebration of music and the arts, with students enthusiastically involved in every aspect; from decorating and rehearsing, to performing and supporting peers. The event showcased a nurturing and inclusive school culture, with over 200 attendees and performances spanning genres from rap to jazz. Artsmark has helped the school build strong partnerships and foster equity of access for its diverse cohort. Staff are keen to connect with other Artsmark schools and continue developing their arts pedagogy.
Lakeside Primary Academy, Doncaster
Lakeside Primary Academy’s commitment to creativity was on full display during CREATE DAY, a nationwide event streamed by the Royal Opera House. Pupils and families engaged in dance, crafts, and song, reflecting the school’s vibrant arts culture. Led by Lynn Mathers, a passionate ex-freelance drama and dance teacher, the project has helped staff embrace Artsmark, transforming their teaching and inspiring others across their Trust. Lakeside’s journey to Platinum was supported by funded programmes and partnerships, and it was fantastic to hear how eager they are to help other schools follow in their footsteps.
Gifford Primary School, London
Gifford Primary School brought creativity to life with a cardboard castle installation and craft workshops led by Animate Arts with support from the City of London City Educational Trust Fund. The immersive experience captivated pupils and highlighted the school’s commitment to embedding arts across the curriculum. From corridor transformations for World Book Day to art projects exploring social themes, the school fosters critical and creative thinking. Their art teacher is now supporting other schools through freelance CPD. Gifford hold a Gold award and are planning to re-register for their next journey.
Bromley High School, Kent
Bromley High School’s first-ever Celebration of the Arts Festival showcased the breadth of its creative offer, from rock bands and poetry readings to exhibitions and dance. Students led the tour and shared how the arts enrich their learning and future aspirations. The school’s new Arts Council and recent Learning Outside the Classroom Gold award reflect its commitment to inclusive, student-led creativity. The school praised Artsmark’s impact and are keen to continue advocating for the arts within the school and wider community.
Hugh Myddelton Primary School, London
During their arts week, themed around ‘caring’, Hugh Myddelton Primary offered a rich programme of creative activities; from ceramics and collagraphy, to music and storytelling. The school’s inclusive approach includes boys-only choirs, community exhibitions, and long-term partnerships with cultural organisations. Staff are passionate about arts education and keen to challenge stereotypes around creative careers. It was brilliant to see how their commitment to engaging parents through workshops and performances, are helping to build a stronger arts culture both in and beyond the classroom.
Each school we visited demonstrated the transformative power of the arts, whether through exciting festivals, inclusive curriculum design, or partnerships with artists and cultural organisations. It was a pleasure to see first hand the dedication of teachers and the enthusiasm of their pupils, showing that Artsmark does support meaningful change. As we continue to champion arts and culture in schools, we look forward to building more connections, sharing best practice, and celebrating the incredible work happening across the Artsmark network.
If you’d like to invite us to visit your school this year, please complete this short form. We also welcome hearing your stories, told by you. Submit your story and we may feature it here on the blog.
Want to connect with other schools?
If you’d like to connect with an Artsmark school in your area, you can download our list of Artsmark schools. We can also put you in touch with other Artsmark schools if you have an area of interest, so do get in touch by emailing artsmark@artscouncil.org.uk.