The Tatler Schools Awards explained: "It is the moment where excellence is celebrated at the very highest level. Nominations come from far and wide, reflecting both public opinion and insider expertise, before being carefully refined by our panel. This year, we've had nearly 14,000 votes taillied. The result? A shortlist that represents the very pinnacle of British education."

The award celebrates the Heads that go 'above and beyond' in their line of duty. And Mr Barber was in excellent company on a short list that also comprised: Gareth Jones at Bilton Grange, Sian Bradshaw at Bute House, Trevor Richards at All Hallows, and Will Brooks at Brambletye - well deserved recognition for one and all.

Magnanimous as ever, when the boys congratulated him at breakfast the next day, Mr Barber told them; "It's only because we have the best staff and the best boys... so we are a very good school."