Immanuel College has been shortlisted in the annual Independent School of the Year Awards for its creative performances .

The Bushey-based school has received a nomination in the music and drama category in the awards run by Independent School Parent magazine.

An Immanuel spokesman said: “We are very excited. The winners will be announced in October but, in the meantime, we are thrilled that the prodigious efforts and achievements of our pupils and teachers – from reception through to sixth form – have been recognised at this stage.

“We take our place in the wider list of commended schools that includes North London Collegiate, Highgate and St Paul’s for Girls.”

Over the past year, the school has presented five concerts and staged theatre productions, including of the musical Anastasia, apart from creative ventures that include an open mic night for students and an intergenerational singalong with grandparents of its preparatory school pupils.

While music GCSE entries have declined across the country, its own increased by 44 per cent this summer.

The college recently released a music video in support of Israel and the hostages, Habay’ta — There’s No Place Like Home.

The school’s director of music, Stephen Levey, said: “I was sent a cover of Habay'ta by friends in Israel who have children and grandchildren serving in the IDF.

“The song immediately resonated with me as it is all about Israel being the homeland of the Jewish people and the place where we feel at home. I was determined to do a cover of the song in school and this dream has now become a reality.”