APPLEFORD School in Shrewton has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Strategic Initiative and also the Special Needs Initiative of the Year in the fifth annual Independent School Awards.

Hundreds of nominations for outstanding schools, departments and individuals were submitted across 12 categories covering the full range of independent school activities.

The awards showcase and celebrate excellence in the fee-paying sector across the UK, providing benchmarks for the sector as a whole.

Headmaster David King said being nominated for the two categories is a “wonderful achievement”.