STAFF at Ellesmere College are celebrating after the independent school was part of a select group to be awarded a prestigious education award.

The College is among just 39 worldwide to be awarded World Class School Accreditation from Higher Performance Learning (HPL) which is an international movement delivering educational change, working with schools and teachers to provide a flexible learning framework, building cognitive competences and designed to achieve academic and lifetime success.

It was recognised for the hard work and dedication in demonstrating a world class quality of education throughout the school after two years of rigorous assessment.

Professor Deborah Eyre, founder and chairman at HPL, said: “Truly world-class schools understand that while grades are important, producing students who are intellectually and socially confident, work-place and life-ready with a global outlook and concern for others is our true aim.

“Ellesmere College has worked hard to strengthen its practice and to move closer to the vision of every child becoming a high performer.”

Brendan Wignall, headmaster, said the school employs the HPL approach through its whole system from Lower School to Sixth Form.

He added: “We are delighted to have been awarded the High Performance Learning World Class School Accreditation and are in elite company with only 38 other schools holding this status globally.

“The HPL World Class School Award Scheme delivers a flexible teaching and learning framework that systematically builds cognitive competencies leading to academic and lifetime success.

"It is a programme we have fully embraced, has been hugely successful and something visitors to the College are asking more about because they have seen that we use it and are keen to learn more.

“It reflects what we know about advanced thinking skills and learning behaviours, helping our pupils to develop skills and attitudes like confidence, agile thinking, perseverance and a greater awareness and concern for the society we live in – ensuring they are fully prepared for the path of study, work and life which lie ahead."

Vicky Pritt-Roberts, deputy head academic and HPL Lead at the College, added: “We strongly believe every child has it in them to be an effective learner and HPL provides a greater level of confidence and self-belief for our pupils to strive to be the best they can possibly be, becoming better equipped to deal with life’s journey.”