PENKETH Primary School has been made an ambassador for music after recognising its importance to the curriculum.

The Music Ambassador School award, presented by Accent Music Education Hub, honoured the work the school does to promote the subject.

Music lead, Gill Clarke, and pupils attended the ceremony at the University of Chester where Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Wendy Johnson, presented them with the award.

Penketh had to go through a rigorous process to qualify, including an assessment of how music teaching was conducted across the school.

Gill was also interviewed about music teaching and provision.

Speaking about the benefits of music, Gill said: "Music provides children with a vehicle to express themselves creatively.

"Research has proved that quality music education builds cognitive and non-cognitive skills in children, increasing their confidence and self-esteem alongside feelings of being part of something bigger than themselves."

Penketh Primary School head teacher, Rebecca Kayll, added: "We’re delighted with the award, which recognises that music teaching and learning under Gill’s leadership is of a very high quality.

"It also means that other schools around the area will be able to access music curriculum support from Gill."

Music is a high priority at Penketh, with lots of opportunities for pupils to participate in musical activities.

These range from performing to composition, including bucket drumming, gospel singing, samba drumming, choir, woodwind and brass tuition.

Penketh Primary is part of Warrington Primary Academy Trust (WPAT), a community of more than 1,900 children aged two to 11 in six primary schools and a teaching school.

Accent Music Education Hub delivers instrumental and vocal teaching to primary and secondary schools across Warrington and Halton.