The Garibaldi School has been award the School of Character quality mark.

The Forest Town school, which is part of the Nova Education Trust, was recognised for transformative character education.

Assessors from the Association for Character Education said it often takes schools many years to reach the stage Garibaldi is at after one year.

The school will now work with other schools and attend national conferences.

Head teacher James Aldred said: “Character development is heart and centre of what we do. Academic qualifications are really important, but so are the skills and characteristics needed to be successful in life.

“I am so pleased of what we have achieved in just one year and how well staff, students, and parents have worked together to achieve this recognition and accreditation.”

Deputy head teacher Rebecca Moors said it teaches students about virtues and enrichment opportunities in school are designed for them to actively practice them.

“Assessors commented how every decision made around this agenda is purposeful and coordinated,” she added. “The approach is collaborative.

“It is a result of our wonderful students and their eagerness to always be the best they can be that enables these agendas to really flourish. We are extremely excited to see what next year will bring as this develops even further.”