A Pill school has been given an award in recognition of its commitment to excellence in arts education.

St Katherine's School has been presented with a silver Artsmark award by the Arts Council England.

Artsmark is a national scheme developed by the Arts Council in partnership Ofsted, Government departments and other agencies.

The school, which has nearly 1,000 students and is a specialist science college, was presented with the accolade for its arts education programme.

Students have been working with professional artists to design graffiti panels to promote healthy eating in the school canteen.

The school has recently spent £440,000 on a performing arts centre which has been used for in house and community drama productions.

The centre has also been used by local primary schools for lectures and talks by authors.

A community arts wall, featuring a colourful mural, has been created in Pill, which was painted by art students from St Katherines.

St Katherine's School head teacher, Stephanie Quayle said: "I'm delighted that the Arts Council has recognised our dynamic arts education programme.

"Our students have really enjoyed working with a wide range of artists in residence and teachers on a variety of exciting, unique opportunities, such as graffiti inspired panels for the school's dining area, theatrical productions and a permanently sited mural for the local community.

"I'd like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award."

Since Artsmark began nine years ago, more than 16 per cent of schools in England have achieved the standards of the award and a 1,650 new schools will receive the award this year.

Arts Council England, south west executive director, Chris Humphrey, said: "Arts Council England is committed to great art for everyone and we believe if children are creatively inspired at an early age, they are more likely to have a lifelong engagement with the arts.

"Artsmark sets the standard for outstanding arts in schools and this silver Artsmark award recognises St. Katherine's passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity."

To receive an Artsmark, a school must dedicate a minimum of 10 per cent of its curricular teaching time to the arts.