Arts Mark Award

We Are Proud to Be an Artsmark Platinum School

We are delighted to announce that Manchester Secondary Pupil Referral Unit has been awarded the Artsmark Platinum Award – the highest level of recognition from Arts Council England for excellence in arts and cultural education.

This prestigious award reflects our unwavering commitment to placing creativity at the heart of our curriculum and recognising the vital role the arts play in transforming the lives of our young people.

What is Artsmark Platinum?

Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England. Achieving Platinum demonstrates:

• A deeply embedded, high-quality arts and cultural offer across the whole curriculum

• Strong leadership and a clear strategic vision for creativity

• Evidenced impact on pupils’ engagement, wellbeing and outcomes

• Meaningful partnerships with artists and cultural organisations

• A sustained commitment to inclusive and accessible creative opportunities for all learners

Platinum status is awarded to settings that demonstrate exceptional practice over time and serve as a beacon of excellence within the sector.

What This Means for Our Pupils

At MSPRU, we believe that creativity is a powerful tool for learning, expression and personal growth. This recognition reflects how we:

• Use the arts to build confidence, resilience and aspiration

• Provide opportunities for pupils to explore identity and express themselves safely

• Support engagement for learners who may have struggled in more traditional settings

• Develop transferable skills such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving

Our creative curriculum is designed to be inclusive, trauma-informed and aspirational, ensuring every pupil can experience success.

Looking Ahead

Achieving Artsmark Platinum is a significant milestone, but it is not the end of our journey. We remain committed to:

• Continuing to innovate and evolve our creative provision

• Strengthening partnerships with cultural organisations across Manchester

• Expanding opportunities for pupil voice and leadership through the arts

• Ensuring that every young person can access high-quality creative experiences

We are incredibly proud of our staff, pupils and partners who have contributed to this achievement.

Together, we continue to champion the power of the arts to inspire, engage and transform lives.