In recent years, staff at Bedales, the co-educational Hampshire boarding school known for its focus on innovative education, have noticed similarities between the school’s approach and the “alternative curriculum” undertaken by young people for whom conventional schooling has not worked.

This year’s independent-state school partnership award recognises the brilliant collaboration between the school and The Key Education Centre.

The Key is a pupil referral unit catering for students unable to attend school because they are at-risk, have been permanently excluded, are emotionally vulnerable or have been absent owing to ill health.

Bedales welcomed the suggestion that its students work alongside pupils at The Key, which would help broaden Bedales pupils’ understanding of different social and economic circumstances, while students at The Key would access new opportunities and activities.

From 2019, the Bedales Outdoor Work department arranged weekly visits for Key students to participate in animal husbandry, blacksmithing, pizza baking and woodwork, alongside Bedales staff and students.

Pupils at The Key have responded in a profoundly positive way. They have said how much they look forward to the visits, and the teacher responsible for outreach has noted their growing confidence.

Students’ attendance at The Key has improved as a result of their participation and their parents have said how enthusiastic they are in sharing their experiences. Working together, students from both schools have also made and sold pizzas at Bedales, with money raised going towards a pizza oven for The Key.

Lead judge Deborah Leek-Bailey said: “It is a testament to this initiative that pupils from both Bedales and The Key have been given the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of projects, which have led to increased confidence, greater self-regulation and a broader perspective.”