HANLEY Castle High School has been presented with an Artsmark Gold award for its commitment to the arts.

The award, made by Arts Council England, recognises schools that provide opportunities across all art forms from drama to music, design to literature and dance to sculpture. The scheme also encourages schools to work in partnership with artists and arts organisations.

Head Alan Johnston said the school's recent musical show demonstrated the range of talent at the school.

"Hanley Castle has a long established tradition of promoting excellence in a diverse range of the expressive and performing arts," he said.

The award was announced last Friday (May 30). Hanley Castle is one of only 274 schools to achieve the gold standard in this round of awards.