A high school’s “phenomenal” exam results and “exciting and dynamic educational vision” has earnt it The Sunday Times’ Independent Secondary School of the Year award.

St Albans High School for Girls has been recognised as the country’s top-achieving school in the newspaper’s school guide.

According to Jenny Brown who has been headteacher at the school for the past year, there are several things which have contributed to the school’s success.

She said: “There are two reasons why we have been given the award – one, because of our outstanding results and two, because they feel the school’s a place with exciting and dynamic educational vision.

“There are several things which have contributed to our success.

“Our decision to go linear and remove AS Levels from Year 12 to be able to create for them a fantastically innovative and exciting extracurricular programme, has allowed room for the students to enjoy themselves.

“I think that’s a very clear thing we did last year and we’re reaping the benefits from it already.

“On a daily basis, our music department is second to none and our art and drama is very strong.

“It was one of the most delightful phone calls to receive.”

The school’s High School Association has helped create strong links in the area with businesses, other schools, alumni and parents and its recently new lecture programme has seen the likes of Lord McNally and other high level speakers give talks to the students.

Alistair McCall, editor of The Sunday Times School Guide, said: “St Albans High School for Girls has had a stellar year.

“Its outstanding examination results speak for themselves and lift the school into our top 20 independent schools in Britain.

“What sets the school apart is that it achieves all of this while giving space for its girls to grow.

“Their successes in all arenas are acknowledged and applauded, and the extensive range of extra-curricular activities ensures they leave the school not just well qualified, but well-rounded too.”

Headteacher Mrs Brown added: “I’m absolutely thrilled with this achievement. We have had a really wonderful year and I have enjoyed my first year enormously.

“But the award reflect what the school’s built on over many years.

“The teachers are amazing and our girls are interesting individuals, great company and very kind to each other.

“Going on from here, I hope for more of the same.

“We have just done some really dramatic curriculum changes for GCSE so we’ll be turning our attention to that and developing our global partnership work – some of our students recently visited The Spence School on the Upper East Side in New York who are really keen for us to come back.

“I feel incredible privileged to be leading such a wonderful school.”