The school became the inaugural winners of the Carol Adams Memorial Award at the National Teaching Awards.

It was given in memory of Carol Adams, the founding chief executive of the General Teaching Council for England. And it recognises excellence in professional development, equality and diversity, and is set to be one of the most prestigious awards a school can receive.

Judges from the GTC said the school was committed to learning under the ‘visionary’ leadership of headteacher Martin Shevill.

Mr Shevill, who was also nominated by pupils for headteacher of the year, was at the event to collect the prize last Friday at Cutlers’ Hall, in Sheffield.

He said afterwards: “This is obviously a very proud moment for the school and me. To be the first school ever to be given this award is an honour and a huge achievement.

“At Ossett we will always strive to improve the experiences and minds of our students. We always look for creative opportunities to make a difference.”

Earlier this year, the school was judged ‘outstanding’ in an Ofsted inspection – the highest grading. And in April, it was recognised as a leader in learning with a visit from Keith Bartley, chief executive of the GTC.

A spokesman for the GTC said: “The award is given to a teacher who has demonstrated a particularly strong profile in commitment to professional learning and personal development, engaging colleagues and contributing beyond the classroom.”

BBC television presenter Ian White spoke at the awards ceremony. He said: “Ossett School is a school where everyone’s contribution is valued and everyone is helped to progress to their highest potential whatever their starting point.”