Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification that helps young people develop creativity, confidence, and leadership skills through the arts. The awards are available for students aged 5 to 25 and support a wide range of creative interests. Students complete a portfolio that records their creative journey, participation in the arts, research, and sharing their skills with others.

Discover – typically ages 5–7

Explore – typically ages 7–11

Bronze – typically ages 11–14

Silver – typically ages 14–16

Gold – typically ages 16+

These are flexible guidelines, and students can complete awards based on readiness.

What GCSE equivalent are Bronze, Silver and Gold?

Bronze Arts Award – Level 1 (approximately GCSE grades 1–3)

Silver Arts Award – Level 2 (GCSE grades 4–9 equivalent)

Gold Arts Award – Level 3 (A Level equivalent and carries UCAS points)

Students work at their own pace, but typical timeframes are:

Discover – around 10 hours of activity

Explore – around 25 hours of activity

Bronze – usually 2–4 months

Silver – typically 4–6+ months

Gold – usually 6–12 months

The Arts Award courses are self-paced. There are no weekly lessons, and students work through the structured portfolio independently, with guidance and support provided when needed.

There is no fixed due date. Students can complete the award at their own pace, although suggested timelines are provided to help keep progress on track.

As an adviser, I guide students throughout their Arts Award and support them as they work through their portfolio. I monitor their progress, provide feedback and help make sure their work meets the Arts Award criteria.

The level of support varies depending on the award. For Discover and Explore, the course is more structured, with practical art activities and pre-recorded lessons provided as part of the course. I also provide resources and guidance to help learners complete the other sections of their award.

For Bronze and Silver, students have more independence in choosing their art forms, activities and opportunities. I can help them develop their ideas, plan their work and identify suitable activities, artists, events or practitioners where needed.

The price includes:

• A structured digital portfolio

• Step-by-step guidance

• Templates and prompt questions

• Adviser feedback and support

• Optional Zoom calls

• Portfolio review before submission

• Assessment/moderation and certification

• For Discover and Explore: pre-recorded practical art lessons and activities needed to complete the practical elements of the award

The portfolio is shared digitally, allowing me to leave comments and suggestions directly on students’ work. Students can also add notes, ask questions, and respond within the document, making it easy to communicate and track progress.

Workshops and events can be either in person or online. The important thing is that students are able to observe arts practitioners and learn from their experience.

Once the portfolio is completed and successfully moderated, students receive an official Arts Award certificate recognising their achievement.

Yes. I have experience supporting young people with a range of SEN and learning needs. The Arts Award is flexible, and I can suggest adaptations such as flexible pacing, alternative ways of presenting evidence, and tailored guidance to help students work in a way that suits them.

All sales of digital courses are final as per our return policy.

Yes. Students can complete the same level of Arts Award more than once, as long as they choose a different art form and complete new work and evidence each time.

For example, a student could complete Bronze focusing on Music, and then complete Bronze again focusing on Visual Art.

Each award must be completed separately, and work or evidence from a previously submitted portfolio cannot be reused.

Yes. Previous work can be used for Unit 1, as long as you provide a clear timeline showing your progression. You should include your starting point, dates, and short reflections explaining what new skills you developed. I will also need to confirm that the work is your own.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us via email at contact@mpopsartschool.com