Arts Award

What is it?

Open to anyone up to 25 years old, Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification for children and young people that allow them to explore, experience and take part in numerous art forms and to grow as artists and art leaders. Through working towards an award, young people develop skills such as autonomy, as they work independently and critical thinking, as they evaluate and review their experiences of art forms. They are also able to shape each art award to their individual interests and strengths. As they progress through the award levels the skills and qualifications gained can help them to prepare for further education and employment.

The qualifications are on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and can be delivered across a range of education and youth settings.

There are 5 levels of achievement:

• Discover is the introductory award for anyone 5 to 25 aimed at giving children and young people a taster experience of an art form and a chance to respond to it
• Explore takes this exploration of art forms wider and deeper and is an entry level 3 qualification
• Bronze has more emphasis on participation and a careers focus and is a level 1 award
• Silver is a level 2 qualification aimed at young people aged 11+ at this level young people begin to challenge themselves to develop their own practice and arts leadership skills
• Gold is a level 3 certificate equivalent and carries 16 UCAS points. It is aimed at young people aged 16-25 and has a strong focus on the development of a chosen art form and of leadership of an arts project.

Arts Award motivates and celebrates young people’s artistic achievements. Young people can achieve an award through any arts, media or cultural activity. Arts Award is managed by Trinity College London in association with Arts Council England and the national bridge network.

What we do 

Royal Opera House Bridge supports Arts Award activity across our region through initial briefings, training, planning and post-training surgeries. We are here to help if you would like advice as a cultural or educational organisation.

Discover at Home

Once you have completed the award you will need to contact a registered centre for moderation and certification. Find your nearest centre here.

All information and resources can be found here.

There is also advice for centres who wish to deliver this award. You may want to create your own version of Discover at Home specific to your context. If you have questions about this, please email us at bridge@roh.org.uk.