A NEW MILTON school is one of few in Hampshire to be awarded the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award for bringing learning to life through the arts.

Ballard School, which prides itself on its wide-ranging curriculum, encourages all its pupils to get involved in school productions, including a recent performance of Aladdin.

The award, presented by the Arts Council, was designed to reward institutions which make arts come alive and give breadth and balance to the curriculum.

Ballard’s arts department offers many opportunities for pupils to explore their creative side through art, ceramics, dance, drama, expressive and performing arts as well as music.

Recent productions have included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Happy Days, and Sheik Rattle and Roll. This term students will present a Magical Mystery Tour and the musical Seussical alongside an array of music and drama recitals.

The Artsmark Award Panel said: “Ballard School offers a diverse and extensive range of arts enrichment and extra-curricular activities, which contributes well to its nurturing ethos.

“It is evident from Ballard’s submission that it positively views the arts as fundamental to the school’s success and that the arts make a very important contribution to the school’s good reputation in the local community. A further strength of the school is their established partnerships with a variety of arts organisations, which affords pupils exciting and inspiring learning opportunities.”

Alastair Reid, Ballard School Headmaster, said:”We are honoured that the illustrious Arts Council England has acknowledged our commitment to arts and cultural education.

“This prestigious award recognises the creative development of our students and we owe this to their unbounded talent and hard work along with the dedication of our excellent staff.”

Ballard School is an award-winning, independent, non-selective, co-educational day school for children aged 2-16 years.