ELLWOOD Community Primary School has been recognised for putting creativity at the centre of everyday learning after receiving a prestigious Artsmark Silver Award.

Forest of Dean MP Matt Bishop visited the school last week to join pupils and staff for their morning Celebration Assembly, where the award was officially acknowledged.

He said he was struck by how strongly the arts are embedded across the curriculum, with children eagerly sharing the projects they have taken part in as part of the school’s Artsmark journey.

Artsmark is the creative quality standard for schools and education settings, awarded by Arts Council England, recognising their commitment to high-quality arts and cultural education.

During the assembly, Mr Bishop also presented congratulatory gifts to the top five pupils chosen to enter his annual Christmas Card Competition. The entries, selected by school staff, will go forward to compete against designs from schools across the Forest.

The Artsmark Award recognises schools that champion creativity through subjects such as art, drama, music and design. To achieve Silver, schools must demonstrate meaningful opportunities for pupils to engage in creative learning.

Mr Bishop said the recognition was well deserved, adding that it was clear from meeting the children that creativity plays a key role in their enjoyment of school life and their overall wellbeing.

He said: “The pupils at Ellwood Community Primary School really benefit from creativity being at the heart of their education. It was great to see first-hand the enthusiasm and pride they have in the work they’re doing.”

Headteacher Mrs Milford and assistant headteacher Mrs King led the assembly and thanked the MP for visiting, saying the school was proud of how pupils had embraced the Artsmark programme.

Mr Bishop praised all staff and pupils for their hard work, describing the morning as “a celebration of everything excellent about Ellwood’s creative community.”