Newbury's St Barthlomew’s School picks up Education Business Award from Jeff Brazier at ceremony in the Royal Garden Hotel in London

Newbury’s St Bartholomew’s School has won the Outstanding Progress Award (Secondary) at the 2022 Education Business Awards, writes Lars Mucklejohn.

Headteacher Julia Mortimore and co-headteacher David Fitter received the award from TV presenter Jeff Brazier, during a gala event at the Royal Garden Hotel in London recently.

The Outstanding Progress Award (Secondary) recognises a UK secondary school that has excelled “in the management of its facilities, finances and human resources and can demonstrate an increase in the educational performance of the school”.

Ms Mortimore said: “This is another fantastic achievement for our school. The Education Business Awards was a special occasion and a chance to recognise the hard work of schools.

"We are very proud to bring home the trophy as further acknowledgement of the dedication and success of all the students and staff at St Bart’s.”

St Bart’s was shortlisted with four other schools: Harris City Academy Crystal Palace, Haughton Academy (Darlington), Campion School and Language College (Northampton) and Dyke House Sports and Technology College (Hartlepool).

The nomination stated: “Ofsted rated St Bartholomew’s as Outstanding in November last year. Leaders have put in place thoughtful learning journeys that help pupils see how their knowledge and skills build over time.

"Careful content planning allows any learning gaps to be quickly identified, with personal development programmes giving pupils valuable time to debate issues around diversity and equality.”

The annual awards were established in 2006 and celebrate excellence in the education sector, across 18 different categories.