Beaumont School in St Albans has been re-accredited as an Artsmark Platinum school - the highest grade awarded by the Arts Council.

The Artsmark assessors praised the school for its "vibrant and rich" arts offer, for connecting the arts to wellbeing and for filling a leadership role to raise the profile of arts locally and regionally.

Assistant headteacher Zoe Shepherd said: "This award recognises the dedication of our staff and students to excellence in the arts.

"Beaumont is proud to offer a wide range of extra curricular opportunities alongside excellent exam results in all aspects of the arts.

"The work of Lynsey Wallace, our head of drama, to build the Growing Minds project beyond Beaumont has had a positive impact on the wellbeing of young people through the arts."

The Beaumont drama department recently staged a production of The Red Shoes by the Upper School Drama Company.

This performance was entered into the National School Theatre Awards, and was celebrated by external adjudicators as a "remarkable theatrical experience".

READ MORE

They added: "The students transformed a school production into an immersive experience which exceeded all expectations.

"The cast and crew's dedication, energy, and undeniable talent left an indelible mark on the audience."

The drama department has been nominated for 'Outstanding School Drama Department' at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2024.