Blackfen School for Girls is incredibly proud to have been awarded Gold Artsmark by Arts Council England. This is a significant achievement and recognises the school’s strong and sustained commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation in arts and cultural education.

Achieving Gold Artsmark reflects the dedication of our staff, students and wider community in creating an ambitious and inclusive arts culture at Blackfen. It celebrates the opportunities we provide for students to develop their creativity, discover and nurture their talents, and experience the transformative power of the arts.

The Gold Artsmark award represents far more than high artistic standards. It recognises the important contribution that arts and culture make to students’ wider education and personal development. Through opportunities to create, perform, collaborate and experience professional arts and culture, students develop not only their artistic skills but also their confidence, communication, critical thinking, creativity and ability to work collaboratively.

At Blackfen, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to engage with the arts, regardless of background or circumstance. Our extensive programme includes curriculum opportunities, professional workshops, educational visits, lunchtime and after-school clubs, leadership programmes, qualifications and performances both within school and on professional stages. Students have performed at prestigious venues and events including the Orchard Theatre, Barbican Theatre, Fairfield Halls, Goldsmiths University and the RISE National Conference, as well as Disneyland Paris. Every student also has the opportunity to visit a theatre, museum or exhibition during their time at Blackfen.

A culture of creativity and opportunity

Our Artsmark journey has strengthened the role of arts and culture across the whole school. Artsmark is now an explicit priority within our School Improvement Plan, with senior leaders and governors actively evaluating the impact of our arts provision. Collaboration between departments has increased, and our non-specialist teachers have developed greater confidence in using creative and arts-based approaches within their teaching.

Our curriculum has also evolved significantly. We have undertaken reviews across the expressive arts and developed progressive schemes of work containing relevant and engaging content for our students. This has contributed to a 15% increase in GCSE entries across Dance, Drama and Music over the past two years, demonstrating the growing enthusiasm for creative subjects across the school.

Our commitment extends beyond Blackfen. We have worked with eight local primary schools, delivering workshops, performances and teacher CPD, while our teachers have supported trainee teachers across Dance, Art, Design & Technology and Music. Through programmes such as the Royal Opera House Cultural Champions programme, as well as CPD from Trinity Laban and Bexley Music Service, we continue to invest in the professional development and confidence of our staff.

Arts for every student

Inclusion and access are central to our approach. Pupil Premium funding has been used to ensure that students can access LAMDA qualifications, performances, workshops and educational visits. We have established a SEND dance troupe, providing an opportunity for students with additional needs to participate, perform and develop their confidence.

Students are also encouraged to become leaders themselves. Through Arts Award and Dance Leadership, students develop leadership skills and share their knowledge and creativity with younger pupils and the wider community. Twenty-two students have successfully achieved Bronze Arts Award, with opportunities now extending to Silver for SEND students and Gold for Key Stage 5 students.

The impact of this work was recognised by our Artsmark assessors, who highlighted particular strengths in curriculum design and delivery and continuing professional development. They recognised the growth in arts opportunities, increased collaboration, stronger staff confidence and the breadth of experiences available to our students.

Our Artsmark journey has demonstrated what can be achieved when the arts are placed at the heart of school life. Gold Artsmark is not the end of this journey; it is a celebration of what we have achieved and a commitment to what comes next. We will continue to raise aspirations, expand opportunities, develop creative leadership and ensure that every Blackfen student has the opportunity to experience, create and succeed through the arts.

“Congratulations on achieving Artsmark Gold. We look forward to hearing about the impact of your work in the future.”
— Artsmark Assessors