A YORK school has been named independent school of the year in a national award scheme.

St Peter’s School won the accolade at the Tes Independent School Awards, after also having won the pre-prep school of the year award.

Organisers say the awards celebrate the teachers and teams from independent schools across the UK that are raising the standards of education and making a positive impact on the personal and academic success of students and the wider community.

"The judges felt that, in a competitive field, St Peter’s School stood out in exemplifying some of the best practice in the independent school sector," said a spokesperson.

"The school’s use of a range of approaches to support pupils’ wellbeing and personal growth, whether through its Forest School, encouraging pupils to use ICT independently or helping pupils champion a campaign to stop single-use plastic bottles in school.

"Mental health is at the heart of the school’s work. Children learn that their mental health exists on a continuum and can be applied positively to all aspects of their learning and interests.

"Catering for children aged 2 to 8, the school has an early focus on the idea of citizenship, with pupils involved in intergenerational music workshops in care homes or producing a reverse advent calendar for the homeless.

"Judges were particularly impressed by the breadth of the curriculum on offer and the innovation on display. Whether working with programmable robots or exploring the school environs, the city of York and beyond, pupils are encouraged to think of themselves as part of a global and local community."

Headmaster Jeremy Walker said:“I’m so incredibly proud of all my colleagues and our pupils for these awards. We’ve had amazing support from our parents and governors too.

"I’m delighted that the school has been recognised for the development of the whole pupil and for the promotion of fun and creativity.”