The Priory primary school has become the first school in Merton to receive the prestigious Artsmark award.

The award, from the Arts Council England, has three levels of achievement and recognises a school’s commitment to the arts. The Priory is the first school in Merton to achieve the honour and performed so well it now becomes one of only 476 schools nationwide to receive the highest accolade – the Artsmark Gold.

Mrs Angeles Walford, Head Teacher of the Priory was understandably delighted with the accreditation.

“It has taken a year of hard work to get this award. I thoroughly believe children learn better through the arts and a school without music would be a very dull place indeed. This award is for everyone, the children, the teachers, the governors, trustees and the parents.”

One of the major initiatives the school has introduced is a weekly ‘creative enrichment’ afternoon where the whole school comes together to work on a particular project. The current project is ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and each week, the children look at different aspects of the book building up to a grand performance in July.

Councillor David Chung, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning said:
“I am delighted that The Priory School’s long-term commitment to the arts has been recognised. The award is well deserved and a testament to the hard work of Mrs Walford, her staff and all of the pupils.”

The Priory has a team of teachers responsible for the ‘creativity afternoons’, led by head of music, Soo Beer, who is one of Merton’s Advanced Skills Teachers. The commitment to the arts is enhanced by the excellent facilities at the school and the support of the Governors and Trustees.

The Artsmark is given to schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the arts from design to literature, dance to sculpture and art to music. The award lasts for three years before the school must re-apply.

Ends

PRESS CONTACT:
Matt Rickard
Press & PR Officer
London Borough of Merton
020 8545 3483