The school was nominated for the outreach work the Music Department has done over the past year, working with a number of local primary and secondary schools while offering specialist teaching to pupils.

The ceremony, held at the Grange Hotel in London, was hosted by lexicographer and long-term occupant of Dictionary Corner on Channel Four's Countdown, Susie Dent. She announced the winners of the 22 categories and began the event with an empowering speech about language and learning.

Addressing the room of more than 250 educators from across the independent and state sectors, Susie Dent Said: “Learning is about your passion and everyone in this room is clearly passionate about what they do.”

She spoke about the changing English language and how important it is that we embrace change: “English has to move on with its surroundings and so must education. Leading with care is what we are trying to achieve in education.”

Rendcomb College earned the commendation for the Music Department’s extensive outreach programme. During the past year, more than 100 children have attended each event.

The school has held a ‘BIG SING!’ led by the department’s specialist music staff who are assisted by the College’s Senior Music Scholars; a Body Percussion Workshop led by former member of the West End show ‘STOMP’, Ollie Tunmer; and have welcomed English Touring Opera to school to give a performance of Shackleton’s Cat, which covered geography and history topics for Key Stage 2 and was supported by the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge.

During the year, music pupils and scholars have had the opportunity to take part in recitals and masterclasses with visiting professional performers and orchestras including Jeremy Carter, former Ray Charles lead saxophonist, Greg Abate, and Mercury Prize-nominated pianist and composer, Gwilym Simcock.

In addition, the school takes pupils on trips to the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and Gamelan workshops. Music Scholars also visited the London Symphony Orchestra who hosted a LogicPro workshop in St Lukes, London to learn more about the specialist music software.

Head of College, Rob Jones, said speaking about the commendation: “The Music department at Rendcomb is forward-thinking, professional and gives so much back to the community. Being commended for such an award is a testament to the passion our staff have for their subject and their desire to share it with all pupils, regardless of experience or background.

“The work they have done, not only with our own pupils, but with the wider community truly demonstrates what the Rendcomb Family is all about.”