The school's arts college December opening was hailed a success, following an extravaganza of a night, packed full with entertainment and activities, showcasing existing success and hinting at the potential for future growth and achievements in light of the new 'arts college' status.
Arts College Status was achieved following assessment by the national grid for learning specialist schools and academies trust.
To qualify for Specialist Schools Status the school had to raise £50k of
sponsorship money from school activities and we received £25k of that from an anonymous donor via the Specialist Schools Trust.
After eighteen months of intensive sponsorship raising, consultation and bid writing the final bid was submitted to the DfES. It was then shortlisted and a visit from Her Majesty's Inspectors took place soon after.
We received notification that the school had been successful in its bid to become a Specialist School in Performing and Visual Arts, in the spring of 2005, and the official status began on 1st September 2005.
