TWO West Devon schools are among the first in the South West to be given special awards in recognition of their excellence in arts education.
Tavistock College has received an Artsmark award, while St Andrew's School in Buckland Monachorum has been awarded the Gold Artsmark. The schools are among just seven in the county to be recognised.
The awards were presented by Tony Smith, director of education at Devon County Council, at a special ceremony in Exeter on Monday.
Julie Curtis, deputy headteacher at St Andrew's, said applying for the award had been a long process but the school was delighted with the success.
'We were very pleased, particularly with a Gold award, because not many primary schools are awarded it.
'We have a very broad curriculum, which we keep as wide as we can to allow all children to gain self-esteem,' said Mrs Curtis.
She said a wide variety of artistic pursuits are available at the school, both during the school day and as extra-curricular facilities, overseen by a 'very talented' arts co-ordinator, Helen Pearce.
Graham Stoate, Tavistock College vice-principal, said the Artsmark award reflected the 'rich provision' provided throughout the arts spectrum at the college.
In addition to devoting eleven per cent of the curriculum to arts subjects, the school offers a broad range of extra curricular activities.
'They include the orchestra, bands, the choir, drama club, the pantomime at Christmas, a production of Macbeth and an art project linked with the Eden Project,' said Mr Stoate.
The Artsmark scheme was launched in January. The awards recognise high standards in arts education provision in the curriculum and in out-of school activities, as well as encouraging partnerships between schools, artists and arts organisations.
Nick Capaldi, chief executive of South West Arts, said: 'We are delighted to see these schools receiving awards, and congratulate them for their commitment to quality arts education.'