ART and drama was used to give pupils a confidence boost.

Cromwell Community College picked out several students for the national Bronze Arts Award after it was felt they could benefit from a lift in motivation in the classroom.

They were then thrust into a 12 week programme which included dance groups and graffiti workshops, giving them a chance to let their creative flair shine.

The Key Stage Three pupils have now been awarded certificates and are said to be pumped up ready for future GCSE studies.

Jamie Russell, head of inclusion at the school in Wenny Road, Chatteris, said: “We have looked at opening their eyes to the arts and relating it to them a little bit more.

“The course covered a great number of activities and the idea was to increase pupils’ confidence and motivation.”