A school in Swindon is one of only five in the UK to be named on the shortlist for a global prize.

Lydiard Park Academy, a state school on Grange Park Way, has been shortlisted in the T4 Education World's Best School prizes, for 'contributing to wider societal progress'.

The school has been described by education experts as a "trail-blazing school" and is now in the final running for the 'Supporting Healthy Lives prize', along with Avanti House Secondary School, a state Hindu school in Stanmore.

The other eight schools shortlisted in the category are based in Italy, Liberia, Singapore, India, United Arab Emirates, China and Columbia.

"Lydiard Park Academy, a state school in Swindon, UK, has revolutionised support for at-risk students with its School of Solutions," said a spokesperson for T4 Education.

"The school within a school model significantly impacts students at risk of exclusion or those struggling to attend.

"This initiative has seen a remarkable success rate of over 80 per cent reintegration, enhancing both Emotional and Intellectual Quotients.

"The 'School of Solutions' is pivotal in fostering resilience and emotional intelligence, and has produced a four per cent average increase in attendance and marked improvements in students' self-esteem and social-emotional skills."

The winners of the T4 five World’s Best prizes will each receive 10,000 US dollars (£7,800), and this announcement comes just four months after Park Academies Trust, which runs Lydiard Park, was shortlisted for the Inclusive Award in the 2024 Multi Academy Trust Excellence Awards.

Lydiard Park Academy has gone from strength to strength, with multiple prestigious prize nominations.Lydiard Park Academy has gone from strength to strength, with multiple prestigious prize nominations. (Image: Newsquest)

“Trail-blazing UK schools like Lydiard Park Academy which have cultivated a strong culture and aren’t afraid to innovate, show the difference that can be made to so many lives," said Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education.

“Schools everywhere can now learn from their solutions, and it’s time governments do so as well.”

The top three finalists for each of the five T4 global 'Best School' prizes will be announced in September followed by the winners in November.

Speaking about the school's recent achievements, David Williams, director of inclusion at Park Academies said: ”I’m just thrilled that the innovative work we do to make all our schools inclusive is being recognised.

“At the Trust, we promote the idea of the ‘whole child’ to encourage our pupils to develop into productive and happy individuals.

“It’s such an important part of education and vital in supporting all the academic study and exams.”