PUPILS at Commonweal School can boast they are some of the artiest in the region, after their school was given a prestigious award for the third time in a row.

The school in Old Town has been given the Artsmark Gold award for the third consecutive time in nine years. The award is presented every three years.

Artsmark, a national award managed by Arts Council England, recognises schools which give opportunities to children and young people in dance, drama, music, art, and design.

Josie Williams, community arts development officer at Commonweal, said: “We’re a performing arts academy already so it ties in nicely. When we had Ofsted inspectors in we got outstanding in arts.

“It reassures me everything we’re doing is right. What it does for the children is amazing. They are just so confident and they believe they can do these things.”

To receive an Artsmark award, schools must apply for it and be able to show they have high quality arts opportunities and teaching, with a positive impact on students and the community.

Commonweal runs about 50 clubs a week to encourage children in drama, art, dance and music and Josie said the award was something for the whole school to be proud of.

“It is reassurance that what we’re delivering is high quality. It is all about not just our school promoting the arts, but using arts as a vehicle to build their confidence,” she said.

Georgia Martin, 15, said the school has encouraged her to develop her dance skills.

“I teach a dance club at lunchtime and I also teach at an after school club at King William Street School," she said.