A SOUTH Woodford primary school has received a prestigious award for its “excellent” teaching and commitment to arts education.

Oakdale Junior was given the ‘Gold Artsmark’ accolade by the Arts Council after spending at least 15 per cent of teaching time on the subject.

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of the Arts Council said: “The award recognises Oakdale’s passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity.

“We believe that the earlier children are creatively inspired, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with art.”

The school’s headteacher, Linda Snow, said: ‘I’m delighted that the Arts Council has recognised Oakdale’s dynamic arts education programme.

“I’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award.”

The school will hold the award for the next three years, with its teachers gaining extra training and links with artists and arts groups across east London.