A drama school in Oxfordshire is the first acting institution to be given "Beacon" status by the Government, which has recognised it as a shining example of post-16 education.

The Oxford School of Drama at Woodstock was one of 13 colleges to be presented with a plaque by Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education Bill Rammell at the annual Beacons awards ceremony in London.

The school's executive director Kate Ashcroft said: "It's great for us, because it's a recognition of the hard work that everyone does at the school. The students are delighted. It has given them a spring in their step."

Former pupils at the school have gone on to jobs in television, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Graduate Christina Cole has a role in the James Bond film Casino Royale and played Blanche Ingram in the BBC's adaptation of Jane Eyre earlier in the year.

Ms Ashcroft said: "We are the only drama school in the country to have been given this status.

"It doesn't mean any more money for the school, but it does recognise our educational excellence."

The BBC announced in November 2004 that it rated the Oxford School of Drama as one of the top five drama schools in the country.

The school was given two grade ones for outstanding educational performance by the Ofsted Adult Education Inspectorate in 2005.

Mr Rammell said: "I welcome them to the Learning and Skills Beacon network. There are exciting and challenging times ahead for the post-16 education sector and their experience and knowledge is needed to help improve performance in the sector."

There are currently 99 post-GCSE colleges and adult community learning providers which are listed as Beacons nationwide, working with the Government to help improve the performance of other colleges in their area.

Young actors at can either opt for a one-year foundation course, a three-year degree equivalent or three-year postgraduate training at the school.