A SCHOOL near Abingdon has been recognised for its arts provision.

The Manor Preparatory School has been awarded with the Artsmark silver status.

Artsmark is the creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England.

It is awarded at three levels: silver, gold and platinum, and schools can register to be assessed for the accolade.

Manor Prep's head of art Sue Side said: "It's wonderful to be working in a school where the arts are considered essential to a child's education.

"The Manor allows children's creativity to flourish in so many ways.

"Here, creativity is both respected and celebrated.

"To have this acknowledged by the Arts Council is a testament to the hard work of our arts teachers and the enthusiasm with which our children explore and challenge themselves in the arts."

Alice Juniper, aged 10, is a member of the Manor's arts council.

She said: "I really enjoy learning about the arts at school.

"It’s really nice that they are recognised here and we get to learn so much about them.

"I really enjoyed the Manor Arts Festival, especially being in the assembly to promote the festival to the whole of the

school.

"I am very proud to be a part of this Artsmark award."