A FESTIVAL of arts is taking place at the King's School, Worcester, this week to celebrate the work of students and attract interest from the general public.

From break-dance workshops to poetry and French film, the week-long festival at the independent school has an eclectic mix.

Much importance is placed on the arts at King's, underlined by the fact that of the top 10 performers in art A-level nationally for the Edexcel exam board, five came from the school.

Headteacher Tim Keyes said: "This is a remarkable achievement and the arts have long been a very impressive area of the life of the school.

"My wish is that, when they leave school, pupils can go to a play or concert or art gallery and enjoy them fully."

The arts festival includes activities put on for students themselves, together with other events for the general public to enjoy.

The week has been organised by head of art Liz Hand.

She said: "The idea has been to widen the net and to publicise what we do, not just to the students themselves, but also to parents, staff and the local community.

"We want to extend the boundaries of the arts and encourage the participation of people of all abilities."

The festival kicked off last Friday with a talk by the famous raconteur Sir Clement Freud.

It culminates this Friday with a Keys Society concert in College Hall at 7.30pm, performed by older pupils in the senior school and including works explored with visiting composer Bob Chilcott.

For more information call the King's School office on 01905 721700.