A Clapham school has been commended at an inaugural model United Nations conference.

The Laurels School, in Atkins Road, was named the overall outstanding delegation after it represented Japan and France at Guildford High School on January 13.

There were two delegates from the school and 22 others from several independent schools spread over five committees.

One Year 10 pupil said: “I love taking part in the model UN. It has made me think about how decisions can impact on a global scale, and I've learned so much about the world that I didn't know before.”

There were several debates on the day which covered a broad range of topics – the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, nuclear disarmament, and the impact of social media.

A model UN is a simulation activity which enables students to learn about diplomacy and international relations, as well as the UN’s own infrastructure.

Participants engage with real-world issues and discuss them in an open forum with pupils from other schools.

Headmistress Linda Sanders said: “We were delighted to be awarded the overall award for outstanding delegation and special congratulations goes to our pupils who represented the school so well at the model United Nations Conference, we are very proud of them all.