Kennet School is celebrating after being awarded the Artsmark Platinum Award for the third consecutive time, recognising its exceptional commitment to arts education and creativity across the whole school.

The Platinum Award is the highest accolade presented by Artsmark and celebrates schools that place the arts at the heart of their curriculum and wider school community. Receiving the award for a third time reflects Kennet's sustained commitment to ensuring every pupil has access to high-quality creative opportunities. As the Artsmark Award is renewed every two years, Kennet School has now held Platinum status for six consecutive years.

In their assessment, Artsmark praised Kennet School's ‘deeply embedded and highly mature arts culture’, highlighting the school's commitment to maintaining dedicated curriculum time for Art, Music, Dance and Drama, alongside an extensive range of GCSE, A Level and vocational pathways.

Assessors also recognised the school's innovative Arts Open Month, which brings together teachers from primary and secondary schools to share best practice through workshops, lesson observations, performances, professional dialogue and film production. They commended Kennet's strong partnerships with organisations including the Royal Opera House, Watermill Theatre, Berkshire Music Trust and the University of Reading, as well as its commitment to ensuring the arts are accessible to all pupils through inclusive provision and enrichment opportunities.

The report also celebrated the leadership opportunities available to pupils, noting how they take responsibility for directing productions, choreography, stage management and technical roles, whilst developing valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Mr M Gayler, Acting Headteacher, said: "We are incredibly proud to have achieved the Platinum Artsmark Award for the third consecutive time. This reflects the passion, expertise and dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm and creativity of our pupils, and the value we place on providing an education that develops the whole child.

"The arts play a vital role in inspiring confidence and helping pupils discover and develop their talents. We remain committed to ensuring creativity continues to thrive at Kennet, both through our curriculum and the wealth of opportunities available beyond the classroom.

"I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this achievement, particularly our Art, Drama, Dance and Music departments, whose commitment continue to provide exceptional experiences for our pupils."

The Artsmark assessors concluded that Kennet School has established an arts-rich culture that not only benefits its own pupils but also supports the wider education sector by sharing expertise and championing creative practice.