A NORTH Swindon special educational needs school has been shortlisted for two national awards in recognition of their achievements and their role in the community.

Uplands School in Tadpole Lane, which works with teenagers with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties and those with an autistic spectrum condition, has been shortlisted in two categories for the TES (Times Education Supplement) Schools Awards.

The awards are the biggest teaching awards nationally and recognise the contribution of the schools and providers shortlisted.

Deirdre Fitzpatrick, headteacher at Uplands School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for two categories in the TES Schools Awards. The TES has recognised the commitment and quality of the staff at Uplands and we would like to thank the students, staff, parents, carers and members of the Uplands Community who contribute to making our school outstanding.”

The school applied to be selected for awards in Alternative Provision (formerly SEN school of the year) and Community & Collaboration and have beaten off strong competition to be shortlisted for both.

Jackie Smith, executive headteacher of Uplands School, The Learning Centre and principal trustee of Uplands Educational Trust, said: “I am thrilled for the school that we continue to be recognised as an innovative and outstanding provision.

“The hard work of all the staff never fails to impress me. I always say our students are amazing but they really are and I know how thrilled they will be to have their school recognised at these esteemed awards.”

The annual TES Schools awards, now in their seventh year, are held at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.

This year’s judges at the awards include John Bangs, Baroness Floella Benjamin and author Anthony Horowitz.

Uplands School will find out if they have beaten off the competition and been successful in the awards on June 19.