ST PETER'S Catholic School in Bournemouth has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

At the heart of the school's international work is its partnership with Shea O’Connor Combined School in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, where numbers have shot up since the start of the partnership.

The award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas.

International work at St Peter's includes linking school departments so they can work together, donating sporting goods and school uniform, building a school library and learning Zulu.

This was capped off when St Peter's Sixth Form students visited KwaZulu Natal and worked with the partner school’s students. Over the last six years teachers from both schools have visited each other and the ongoing task of building leadership and learning from each other has been an enjoyable journey.

Headteacher, David Todd said: "This is a great accolade for the staff and students of St Peter’s School. It is a team effort and testament to our commitment to educating the students to see beyond their own lives and experiences.

"We aim to teach our students that they are part of one race with one planet to share and therefore have a responsibility to learn from, as well as support, those who are less advantaged."

British Council Chief Executive, Sir Ciarán Devane, said: "The school’s fantastic international work has rightfully earned it this prestigious award."