Two Sutton schools have beaten stiff competition from across the country to be named the best in class.

Limes College and Stanley Park High School won top education awards at the TES School Awards, hosted by Mock the Week star Dara Ó Brian at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in Mayfair.

Stanley Park, in Carshalton, was named best secondary school of the year and Limes College, in Sutton, scooped the alternative provision school of the year awards on Friday.

Stanley Park, which teaches more than 1,000 pupils, was praised by judges for “igniting a passion for learning” and giving “young people the skills and knowledge that they need to flourish in life, not just to pass tests.”

Stanley Park High head teacher, David Taylor, said: “Obviously it was a fantastic night and to reach the final eight was great, but to win it was incredible.

“It was a whole-team effort, the 100-plus staff and more than 1,000 pupils were part of that win.”

He added: “We have visitors coming from South Korea, America, Canada, Australia and Tanzania to see what we do at the school.

“The next step is to keep innovating, but the trouble with that is it takes a while to see results. It’s been 10 years in the making to get to this point.”

Limes College teaches about 100 children, the majority of whom are boys either at risk of exclusion, or have been excluded from their schools.

Ann Mraz, editor of education magazine TES, said of the college: “The judges agreed that among an impressive shortlist the application from the Limes College ticked every box.

“Success rates are high and the college is doing everything possible to help its students.”