ROYAL Wootton Bassett Academy could be crowned the best secondary school in the country after being shortlisted for a national award.

The school and sixth form, which is based in Lime Kiln, has been singled out as one of just eight schools shortlisted for the Secondary School of the Year category for the at the Times Education Supplement Schools Awards.

The award, supported by exam board AQA, recognises the dedication and commitment of schools that do outstanding work to prepare young people for the future.

“The whole school is thrilled, honoured and excited to be on the shortlist for Secondary School of the Year,” said head teacher George Croxford.

“The excitement is not confined to the school, with people in the town talking about it and governors positively buzzing.”

The school was singled out for particular praise for its role as a National Support School in helping to other local provisions out of special measures into achieving good Ofsted ratings in just 18 months.

The winner of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday, June 19.

It is the second year in a row that AQA, the biggest provider of GCSEs and A-levels in England, has supported the awards.

Andrew Hall, AQA’s chief executive, said: “We know that great teaching makes the difference to what students achieve, so we want to support teachers and help them give their students the best chance in life.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for Royal Wootton Bassett Academy to make the shortlist, and we wish them all the best for awards night.”

Other schools shortlisted for the award include Babington Community College, Leicester, Burnt Mill Academy, Essex, North Chadderton School, Oldham, St Aidan’s High School, North Lanarkshire, St Patrick’s High School, County Armagh, St Thomas the Apostle College, London and Woolwich Polytechnic School, London.