Wembley school where pupils speak 31 languages shortlisted for World’s Best School prize

Barham primary school was in the top 10 for “community collaboration” in recognition of the work it does to foster strong relationships with parents despite its diverse population.

Five schools around the world will be named winners of the prizes — across five categories including community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, overcoming adversity and supporting healthy lives — with each sharing a portion of the $250,000 (£197,500) prize pot.

A spokesman for the prizes said: “With 930 pupils, well above the national average, and 31 different languages within the student population, as well as various religious beliefs, the school is also in an area of social housing estates and intersecting community groups — exposing students to various societal issues such as gangs, grooming, radicalisation, drugs, poverty, and hunger.”

He said that despite this, headteacher Karen Giles has been “unwavering in her dedication to the school community”. She has fostered strong relationships with parents and is “always going above and beyond to create an inclusive and aspirational environment, making her a singular force in driving positive change”, the spokesman added.

Ms Giles and her team help parents to learn English in a bid to boost the success of students. The school also works with community groups that represent immigrants to reduce marginalisation and create a sense of belonging, the spokesman said.

The prizes were founded last year by T4 Education in collaboration with Accenture, American Express, Yayasan Hasanah and the Lemann Foundation. They aim to share the best practices of the top schools and to celebrate schools in the wake of Covid-19.

Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “Schools across the globe will learn from the story of this trailblazing London institution and the culture it has cultivated.”