A sixth form college in Ipswich has been crowned the best in the country at a national awards ceremony.

One Sixth Form College, in Scrivener Drive, scooped the BTEC College of the Year Award at a glittering awards night at Westminster Hall in London on Thursday, July 5.

Jenny Milsom, deputy principal at the school, said: “To get recognition of this scale from one of the largest qualification awarding organisations in the world is exceptional and we are very proud of all out students and staff who have contributed to this success.

“We will continue the work we do to ensure that every student who studies with us has the very best possible chance of further success.”

The awards are set up by Pearson, an organisation which create qualifications for schools and colleges across the UK and world wide.

The awards look to shine a light and reward students, teachers, schools and colleges for their exceptional achievements.

Staff from the One Sixth Form College, which earned an Outstanding grade from Ofsted in May 2015, put the school forward for the award earlier this year.

A panel of independent judges then selected the school, which is the largest sixth firm in Suffolk, as the winner of the prestigious award.

Rob Bamford, director of curriculum quality management information systems at One Sixth Form College, said: “This award is something that can be shared with every student that has and is studying here - and every member of staff who work for us.

“They consistently go the extra mile to make One Sixth Form College an outstanding learning environment.”

He added: “Suffolk One is more than just a name, it’s one body of staff, one body of students and one community that’s all working together.

“We offer a real diverse curriculum at the college.

“It really offers students an opportunity to tailor the courses with us.

“Their outcomes in terms of progress and attainment are outstanding.”

Grant Abbitt, teacher of media and games design, said: “Suffolk One is a fantastic place to work, it really is.

“The students are excellent, the staff here are wonderful and management is fantastic.”