STUDENTS, parents and teachers at Chace Community School in Enfield are celebrating an Artsmark Gold Award for excellence in art.

The Artsmark Award is given to schools that show dedication to the arts, requiring schools to spend at least 10 per cent of their teaching time on the visual and performing arts.

A gold award is given for schools that dediate 15 per cent of their time.

Gold award holders will be provided with professional development and contact with artists and arts groups.

Sue Warrington, headteacher of Chace Community School, in Churchbury Lane, was delighted with the school's success.

She said: "The Arts Council has recognised Chace's dynamic and successful work in the arts. At Chace, students enjoy excellent opportunities to extend and enhance their skills, experience and talents in art, drama, music and dance."

Almost 10,000 Artsmark awards have been given out since the scheme began in 2000. A total of 1,649 schools received the award this year, including 196 in London.

Moira Sinclair, executive director of the Arts Council in London, said the earlier children were inspired, the more likely they were to have a lifelong engagement with art.

She added: “It is wonderful to see so many schools attaining the Artsmark award in London this year. The award recognises Chace Community School's passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity.”