THE Northumberland Church of England Academy has been awarded Artsmark Gold accreditation.
The academy – spread over five campuses at Ashington, Newbiggin and Lynemouth – was given the Arts Council accolade for its commitment to high standards in arts education.
It is the only all-age academy in the north east to be given the Artsmark Gold and one of only two schools in Northumberland to get it for its secondary school-age arts education.
A presentation ceremony will be held next month.
Peter Blackburn, the academy’s principal director for secondary school pupils, said: “The Artsmark has already started to benefit the young people on the secondary campus.
“Learners are taking up new opportunities and developing as young adults as a result of the opportunities on offer.”
Rob Turner, the academy’s director of arts, added: “This represents a significant achievement for the academy early in its development. It has firmly established the arts as a vibrant part of academy life.”