A SOUTHAMPTON secondary school has aced top marks after winning a Leadership and Management Award.

Redbridge Community School were given the award at the annual Investors in People Awards ceremony on November 19, for the commitment of head teacher Jason Ashley and his leadership team, teachers and staff.

They were recognised for driving up standards of teaching at the school, with a focus on ensuring students receive the most rewarding education possible.

The national recognition by Investors in People, combined with the Platinum Award, places Redbridge Community School in the top two percent of organisations across the nation for the investment and development of all staff.

Head teacher Jason Ashley said: “Redbridge sits at the heart of our community and we have a responsibility to create forward-thinking learning environment where young people can thrive and develop.

"The award from Investors in People recognises our commitment to building a high-performing staff team, who are fully committed to the life chances of our students. The NACE Challenge Award further demonstrates that we are committed to raising the aspirations and life chances of every student in the school.”

He added: "I am absolutely delighted, and it sums up the transformation of the school over the last seven years. We have wonderful senior leaders. We were also shortlisted for Employer of The Year but we were really hoping to win the Leadership and Management Award. We were very surprised as we were against big companies like Great Western Railway and others.

"We were just delighted to be nominated as we didn't go expecting to win. When they called my name, I was quite shocked. We were the only school in this category. I lead an absolutely wonderful school and it is really about the staff and teachers, I am so proud of them."

The school also received a Good rating in its most recent Ofsted report in 2018 and was awarded the NACE Challenge Award for its commitment to their students.