THREE schools have shown they are top of the class when it comes to arts education, by winning awards.

King James I Community College and Bishop Barrington School, both in Bishop Auckland, and Staindrop Comprehensive School, in Teesdale, have gained silver Artsmark awards.

The awards, from the Arts Council of England, are in recognition of the schools' commitment to the arts, including drama, music, design, literature and sculpture.

Peter Hewitt, chief executive of the Arts Council, said: "Artsmark celebrates the importance of the arts in education and rewards the commitment of schools to introducing children to the arts at an early age."

Pupils from the three schools teamed up for a project at the National Glass Centre, in Sunderland, working with glass artist Goshka Bailek to produce several sculptures.

Ed Lott, headteacher of King James, which also gained Sportsmark status, said: "I am very proud of our pupils and staff, who have worked so hard to raise standards across the college.

"King James is a buzzing place to be these days. We are moving towards International Schools status and received the Healthy Schools award."

Bishop Barrington headteacher Keith Cotgrave said: "The school is traditionally strong in performing arts, so it is wonderful that the staff who work so hard are recognised with this award.

"We consider the arts a very important part of students' development, as they benefit in a host of ways."

Brian Kinnair, headteacher of Staindrop Comprehensive School, said he was thrilled to have the bronze Artsmark award the school won last year upgraded to silver.

He said: "Author Anne Fine visited the school. We joined King James and Bishop Barrington for the glass sculpture project and are involved in the international book awards Carnegie Medal Scheme.

"It is clear recognition of the hard work our art, English, music and drama teachers devote to the school."