Ellesmere College is celebrating after being named winners at a prestigious Education Business Awards.

Ellesmere won an award for sport and received a highly commended for music, at the ceremony which was held at the Grange Hotel, St Pauls, London. The awards are the leading showcase for successful investment in education throughout the UK.

Former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, who hosted the awards, and over 300 guests attended the ceremony which rewarded schools in 21 categories. Judges praised the schools PE curriculum, which was re-designed to underpin a wider opportunity of activities, from years 3 up to year 11, and the established long-term athletic development model which guided the sports academies and the coaching philosophy.

The award also cited the national and international success of its students and the recent World Academy of Sport accreditation, which enables national and international level athletes to follow a more flexible study programme. The awards panel also commented that it was "good to see music given such a place in school's life". The commended award for music sealed what has been a very successful year for the school, which is gaining a reputation for excellence with its singing. Successful honours in the under 18 & under 21 choir categories at the Chester and Oswestry youth music festivals as well as invitations to provide music for the Shropshire County Council's Civic Service helped to convince the judging panel of Ellesmere College's commitment to the arts.

Deputy Head Vicky Pritt-Roberts, who collected the award on behalf of the school, said, "It was a pleasure to be invited to attend the awards, which received a record number of entries this year. We were very excited to be shortlisted in two categories and I was delighted when Ellesmere was announced as the winner of the Sports Award 2016 and commended for the Music Award. This excellent result is due to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and to the enthusiasm and commitment of our pupils"