Eleven Oxfordshire schools have received the national Artsmark award this year for their commitment to the arts.

The Arts Council award recognises the schools' efforts in various art-forms, including drama, music, design, literature, dance and sculpture.

The six primary schools and five secondary schools were among 1,161 schools across the country to achieve the Artsmark.

Bartholomew School in Eynsham, Bishop Loveday CofE Primary in Bodicote, Dr Radcliffe's CofE Primary in Steeple Aston and Glory Farm Primary and Nursery in Bicester all achieved the Gold Artsmark.

Gosford Hill School in Kidlington, King Alfred's Community and Sports College in Wantage, Southwold County Primary, Valley Road School in Henley and The Cherwell School, Oxford, were awarded the Silver Artsmark.

Bure Park Primary in Bicester and Faringdon Community College achieved the Artsmark award.

Recent arts activities at Bartholomew School have included multi-cultural Japanese, African and Indonesian arts projects for Year Eight students, residential workshops with primary children and a series of exhibitions and performances. Headteacher Andrew Hamilton said: "I am really pleased the fantastic work the school does in the creative arts has been granted national recognition through the award of the prestigious Artsmark Gold."

Pupils at Gosford Hill School have taken part in workshops with professional poets and won the Oxfordshire Youth Poetry Slam.

Other students have worked with dancers, sculptors, musicians and actors, scripted and filmed their own short film and played host to the National Youth Jazz orchestra.

Tom Hollis, head of creative arts, said: "I am delighted the Arts Council has recognised Gosford Hill School's progressive and high-quality arts programme."

Sir Christopher Frayling, Arts Council England Chairman said: "It is very encouraging to see so many schools displaying such dedication to the arts."