IT WAS a night of celebration, as two Bridgwater schools shortlisted for a Times Education Supplement award attended the awards evening.

Haygrove School and Bridgwater College Academy were invited to the gala at the Grosvenor Park Hotel in, London on June 24, hosted by comedian, Dara O’Briain.

Haygrove School was shortlisted for the International School Award for their cross-curricular work on international education and partnerships with schools overseas,such as the Yew Wah Education Foundation in China.

More than 150 Chinese students visit Haygrove School each year and spend time with students.

Pupils get the opportunity to forge friendships with the Chinese youngsters and, for the second year running, a group from Haygrove will make the trip to China in September.

Bridgwater College Academy were recognised for the work carried out by their English department over the last year.

Initiatives were created that have seen attainment at GCSE grade A*- C rise by 23 %.

The English teaching team has repeatedly been asked to deliver speeches and training to other teachers in the region, and has also hosted literacy training for local schools.

Haygrove head teacher, Mrs Canham said: "Although neither school were winners in their respective categories on the night, we were all very proud to be representing Bridgwater and felt this was a great achievement for education locally."

Head of secondary at Bridgwater College Academy, Mr Andy Sandercock said: "All schools making the shortlisting for the TES awards are winners and this is yet another acknowledgement of the great work taking place in Bridgwater."