A Wimbledon student has won a prestigious national award for achieving excellence in education.

Katie Rowlinson, of Ricards Lodge High School, won in the A Level category at British Education Awards.

Sixty-seven finalists gathered at the event in Manchester where twenty winners in four categories presented with a trophy.

Katie won judges over with her extracurricular commitments to charity work and volunteering in the community.

She was extremely sensitive towards peers and supported and motivated others during school activities in an admirable and inspiring manner, demonstrating exactly what it takes to be an award winner and BEA Ambassador.

Katie has gained As in Geography and Biology and gained an A* in Art and Design.

Her interest in the environment has seen her travel to Tanzania and Peru to volunteer and work with the local community.

Katie has now gone on to study Geography at Birmingham University and is exploring options to work for an NGO or environmental agency overseas.

Her nominator, assistant headteacher at Ricards Lodge High School Sarah Sawyerr said: “Katie is an extraordinary young woman who has a keen interest in the environment and nature. Katie has a very mature attitude towards her work and has been diligent and hardworking.

“She has a clear view of what is morally right and just and will speak up and let her voice be heard.

“Katie lives our school values every day and treats all people with the utmost respect.”