PUPILS in Swindon have painted a picture of success after the town was named artiest in the region.

Swindon schools are top in the South West, and performing twice as well as the national average, in an award scheme which celebrates schools’ commitment to the arts.

Artsmark, a national award initiative managed by Arts Council England, provides a benchmark for arts provision in schools. It encourages schools to assess the opportunities available to children and young people in dance, drama, music, art, and design.

The latest Artsmark results show that 28 per cent of Swindon schools now have Artsmark status, twice the national average of 14 per cent. Swindon also has the most Artsmark schools in the South West.

To receive an Artsmark, schools must apply for it and be able to show they have high quality arts opportunities and teaching, with a positive impact on students and the community.

Councillor Garry Perkins, Swindon Council cabinet member for regeneration and culture, said: “Participating in the arts in all their forms improves the confidence, skills and self-expression of young people, which is why it is so important for their development and future prospects.

“The council has directly contributed to this success because Artsmad, our arts education partnership, has supported schools applying for Artsmark status with training and advice.”

The latest school to win the Arts Mark Gold award was Commonweal– passing all the criteria with outstanding features in the community.

The Artsmark scheme has been running for over 10 years, and was re-launched after a one-year break in autumn 2011 with increased emphasis on the quality and impact of arts provision in schools, as well as the amount and range of arts opportunities offered to students.