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 the award and support them as they work through their portfolio. I help students identify suitable opportunities to participate in the arts, discuss how they can develop their skills, and ensure their ideas meet the criteria. I monitor progress, provide feedback, and offer advice on planning, delivering, and reviewing their arts activities. I can also help students find suitable arts practitioners to interview, suggest appropriate arts events, and support them in sharing their work.

The price includes:

A structured digital portfolio

Video step-by-step guidance

Templates and prompt questions

Adviser feedback and support

Optional Zoom calls

Portfolio review before submission

Moderation and certification

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. A level of Arts Award can be completed more than once, as long as new work is presented each time. For example, a student could complete Bronze in Music and then complete Bronze again in Visual Art. Previously submitted portfolios 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