Designed for age 16 plus, Gold is the highest level of Arts Award, giving young people insight into life as an arts professional. They'll hone their existing artistic skills, acquire new ones, gain practical experience of different roles in the arts world and develop leadership expertise. Worth 16 UCAS points, it's also a great boost to university and job applications.

Gold Arts Award is a young person-led qualification that encourages creativity and independent learning. It challenges young people to develop their arts practice, lead an arts project, investigate topical arts issues and get involved in the arts world.

Along the way, they create a portfolio showcasing their new-found knowledge alongside their critical-thinking, organisational, problem-solving, collaboration, communication and management skills.

Completing the award gives young people a foothold in the creative industries and skills for life- whatever their future holds.

The Gold qualification is a Level 3 Certificate in the Arts, working at the same standard as an A Level. This course is run over six half terms (so a whole school year).