A Scots secondary school has been voted one of the best in the world by an international panel of education experts.
Dunoon Grammar, in Argyll and Bute, was named the World’s Best School for community collaboration on Wednesday.
The school staved off tough competition from India and Brazil, to claim the inaugural prize, founded by T4 Education, a global organisation supporting innovation in teaching.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated Dunoon on its “well-deserved” win.
A judging panel and advisory public vote helped the school secure the prize.
Dunnon Grammar will be given a $50,000 share of the $250,000 prize for all five winners of the World’s Best School Prizes.
Headteacher, David Mitchell, said the money, which converts to around £44,000, will be used to purchase a school minibus.
The cash prize will further help increase community engagement by providing transport for local people to come to the school for events like pantos and elderly lunches. It will also see the creation of an ESports digital arena to develop digital skills for the future.
Academy Award-winning actress Dame Emma Thompson and actor and producer Greg Wise congratulated Dunoon Grammar School.
Emma Thompson said: “You’ve put Dunoon Grammar School into a kind of global recognition moment. The spotlight’s on you, small as we know rural community in Scotland.
“It’s the most extraordinary achievement. It actually made me cry when I heard about it.
“We’re so thrilled for you, and so proud of you, and I hope you all just feel, well, on top of the world because at this moment in time that’s where you are.”
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “Congratulations to Dunoon Grammar School for winning the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration. It’s time for world leaders to sit up and listen to institutions like this outstanding UK school.
“Far too many children will continue to be left behind in the wake of Covid unless governments take urgent action to tackle the education crisis.
“As a first step, they must turn to the knowledge and experience contained within our schools because those on the frontlines of education know better than anyone else the change we need to see.”
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