Morpeth Newminster Middle School is celebrating after achieving Artsmark Platinum for the fourth time – the highest honour for arts and cultural education.

Assessors praised the school’s strong commitment to the arts, highlighting its expanded music provision through partnerships such as Northumberland Music, and opportunities for pupils to gain Arts Award qualifications. The school is also recognised as a Trinity Champion School.

Leaders and governors were commended for their strategic support, alongside ongoing staff training and collaboration with other schools and organisations, including work through The Three Rivers Teaching Hub.

Despite funding challenges, the school continues to offer a wide range of performances, clubs and creative projects, while ensuring all pupils can access the arts through targeted support. Its ethos, curriculum design and high student engagement were highlighted as key strengths.

The school also promotes cultural diversity and wellbeing through initiatives such as hosting the Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir and student-led arts activities.

As it celebrates this achievement, the school is now focusing on further developing inclusion and creating more opportunities for students to act as ambassadors for the arts.

This fourth Platinum award reinforces Newminster’s reputation as a leader in arts education.