In a year when ministers again put pressure on independent schools to work more closely with their state counterparts, Latymer Upper School was a showcase of how it can be done.

The school’s aim of putting as much emphasis on developing students’ sense of civic responsibility as on nurturing academic excellence is borne out by its actions, which make its outreach programme an integral part of school life.

Its Saturday school for 150 Year 6 pupils from 30 local primaries helps to demystify the transition to secondary school, while sixth-formers run debating for primary pupils.

The school is also generous with its facilities, which it provides to its partner schools free of charge.

This attitude was exemplified following the Grenfell Tower fire, when the school became a base for lower-sixth pupils whose own school next to the tower had to close.

The testimonials from local primary schools speak for themselves. One headteacher said the Saturday school “has sparked a buzz in some of the lower-ability children which was not there before”, while another said Latymer’s support “is absolutely invaluable in the progress and development of all of our children”.

The judges said: “One of the many positive aspects of the Latymer partnership is the way in which a significant number of pupils and staff are clearly engaged in an astounding array of partnerships, which reflect their sense of civic duty.  

“The partnership is also deeply embedded into the life of the school and, therefore, highly sustainable.”

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