London Borough of Sutton school, Stanley Park High, has been named Secondary School of the Year 2016 by industry journal the TES.  The prestigious awards are run annually by the respected publication to recognise and celebrate achievements of schools across the UK.

The school was one of eight secondary schools shortlisted for the ‘Secondary School of the Year’ award by a panel of education experts.  Stanley Park High was judged to be the overall winner in the category as “the judges were impressed by the creative, ambitious and supportive culture fostered at Stanley Park”.

They said, “At a time of huge pressure on schools, the submission from Stanley Park High made it obvious that the welfare and wellbeing of the children comes above anything else.  Stanley Park High has achieved remarkable outcomes for its student body by focusing on igniting their passion for learning. It is a non-selective secondary in a highly selective area and has been recognised as one of the most improved schools in the Whole Education network.”

David Taylor, Head Teacher, said, “This is a fantastic accolade for our students, staff, parents and governors, and it goes without saying that we are absolutely thrilled.  There were many wonderful comments by the TES judges, but particularly pleasing is the recognition that the school’s priority is the welfare and wellbeing of our students.  This award is for everybody connected to Stanley Park High. We would like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them for this superb achievement.”

The TES school awards, now in their seventh year, recognise the outstanding contribution to education made by teams and individuals both inside and outside schools. The awards have 17 categories, including primary school, secondary school, headteacher and creative school.

Chair of Governors of Stanley Park High, Jane Pascoe, said: “Ten years ago, when planning our new building, we were designated a One School Pathfinder for the London Borough of Sutton.  This required us to deliver an innovative 21st century education for the benefit of all of our local children, as well as sharing our successful practice with other local, national and international schools. This award is testament to the continuous and unswerving vision, the uncompromising focus, and the dedication of the school’s leadership, which has benefited the students and the community we serve”.