Pupils, staff and parents at an Oxford school are celebrating after it received an award for its contribution to the arts.

Cheney School in Headington was awarded an Artsmark from the Arts Council, for exceptional provision of performing arts. And it has pledged to extend the activities it offers, not just to pupils, but to the community.

Only a handful of schools have obtained the honour.

Head of art Michelle Johnson said: "We had to show we provided opportunities for students to excel in art, music, drama and dance."

Staff spent months putting together their application.

Ms Johnson said: "The Artsmark is great for the school and great for the profile of arts - and it will be good for the children as well."

Cheney is already working closely with primary schools in the Headington area.

Pupils are currently working on a project for an exhibition at Modern Art Oxford later in the year.

Further plans to increase arts provision could include opening a community gallery on the school site.

Ms Johnson said: "As well as showcasing students' work, it would also display work from artists within the community, including parents.

"The children really excel within the arts, and we have got lots of parents who are talented artists as well."

The school is also planning to run community art days at the school, involving children, parents, and artists from the community.

Agnes Norris Keiller, 15, from Iffley Road, is studying for a GCSE in art at Cheney.

She said: "There is always stuff going on, with art and carnival clubs.

"We get lots of opportunities, we have good resources and the teachers are really helpful.

"The Artsmark is deserved."