A secondary school has been recognised as one of the best in the country, according to a list in the Sunday Times

Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar has been named the Sunday Times Southeast State Secondary School of the Decade in the Sunday Times Schools Guide.

The guide, called Parent Power, was first published in 1993, and Dame Alice Owen's has consistently featured, particularly over the last ten years.

Following the latest accolade, head teacher Hannah Nemko, said: "We are and remain, incredibly proud of our fantastic staff who never shy away from going the extra mile to encourage, support and inspire our young people.

"We share this award with the students who, in return, inspire the staff with their curiosity, commitment to their studies and determination to succeed as well as with their parents and carers who support both their young people and the school in their endeavours.

"We would particularly like to thank our governing body and trustee for their support over these last, difficult, months."

Nick Rodrigues, deputy editor of Parent Power, said: "Dame Alice Owen’s School has been in our top 40 seven times in the last 10 years and is always the highest-ranked school in the south east that is not fully selective.

"To be placed where it does, annually, with a largely comprehensive intake is outstanding. In 2016, the Sunday Times named it the State Secondary of the Year, the only non-grammar school to win the accolade since 1999, and in 2018 it was named the Southeast State Secondary of the Year.

"No one is left behind, the school actively takes pupils from where they are and helps them to get better thanks to its experienced staff who teach across the ability range.

"Staff and pupils are thriving under Hannah Nemko’s leadership, clearly demonstrated by the 28 students who are attending Oxbridge this year.

"Dame Alice Owen's School’s sustained excellence has made it the clear choice as The Sunday Times Southeast State Secondary School of the Decade."