The college has been granted an Artsmark Gold award, which recognises schools that expose students to the broadest range of art and improve the way that artists and art organisations work with the school.

To be considered for the scheme a detailed audit was carried out on the college's provision of art, which was assessed by the Arts Council for England and art and education professionals from around the country.

The Arts Council was especially impressed with the college's extra-curriculur activities which included public performances at Bicester's Christmas Lights Switch-On, the Oxjam music festival, and shows for elderly residents at Bicester Day Centre.

Speaking after the Arts Council for England awarded BCC the Artsmark Gold Award, headteacher Cynthia Bartlett said: "This is a very proud day for the college and our Performing Arts and Arts Department."

Mrs Bartlett said the award recognised the college's gold-standard commitment to the arts and the enhancement of students' education.

She added: "We are very fortunate to have such inspirational arts staff and such motivated and talented students here at BCC."

WINSLOW Combined School has also been granted an Artsmark Gold award.

Following an assessment in March, Winslow Combined School has been granted the Artsmark Gold award – the highest-possible level of achievement in the Arts Council scheme.

Since gaining the Silver award two years ago, the school has developed across the board in music, dance, visual arts and drama.

School art co-ordinator Katie Epps took two Year Six pupils – Will Lawton and Jasmine Swain – to a ceremony at the Brighton Dome to collect the award certificate on Thursday, June 19.

A specialist music teacher has been brought in to teach children across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, and pupils regularly perform in external events.
Keen artists can take advantage of additional workshops, and the school has developed its digital arts to include photography and an after-school animation club.

An outside area with staging and a teepee has improved drama provision and allowed more role-play during literacy lessons, while close links with Buckingham School have helped pupils' dance lessons.