“The senior management team’s submission came after a year of consultation and analysis,” Peigi MacArthur, the depute head who is the project leader, said. “At first some teachers said - we’re not a business. Why are we applying for this?

“But a school is a business with a huge financial investment from public money and it has many stakeholders that have to be satisfied - from pupils, parents and the local community to the local authority, HMI and government.

Ms MacArthur added: “I think we have shown that quality and excellence are not the preserve of the private sector.”

Based on the European Foundation Quality Model (EFQM), the Business Excellence Award covers leadership, policy and strategy, people management, resources, processes, people satisfaction, customer satisfaction, impact on society and key results.

“The section on customer satisfaction was invaluable to us in terms of monitoring and evaluating the work of the school,” Ms MacArthur said. “The business results section allowed for recognition of the hard work of staff and the co-operation and motivation of pupils leading to good results.

“And with regard to impact on society, it was so encouraging to realise that the range of experiences a city comprehensive school can offer, has a huge impact. The challenge of any school is not just to enable academic achievement but to develop fully rounded individuals ready to face the challenges society offers.”

Peterhead Prison and the Scottish Police College were also shortlisted in the public sector category.