The Speaker of the House of Commons crowned Hendon schoolchildren the winners of a national school council award.

The Rt Hon John Bercow MP awarded the Speaker's School Council Awards 2014 to the Hyde School in Colindale, which was chosen from more than 700 entries.

The competition recognises the valuable contributions which school councils make to their classmates and to their communities.

Hyde School was awarded the prize in the age seven to 11 category for their project Operation Dream Job. 

The school council initiated weekly sessions for students to meet up and learn the skills required for their chosen professions.

Hyde School teacher Stephanie Sklavounos said: "Applying for the Speaker's School Council Award gave the children the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and consider the impact they have on the school.

"They took a project from the early planning stages, to application and then to completion, giving them a chance to reflect on their successes and contribution.

"Taking part in the Speaker's School Council Award has reaffirmed for the children that they are the voice and contributors that make our school shine."

Mr Bercow said: "As elected bodies, school councils are often the first experience young people have of democratic practices and the business of politics, an endeavour Parliament is proud to support. 

"More schools than ever before entered the awards competition in 2014, all highlighting the excellent work done by school councils in their local communities."

Hendon MP Matthew Offord has also congratulated the schoolchildren and teachers on their award.

He said: "I strongly believe that aspiration is a great motivator and I am delighted that children in Colindale have been inspired to consider jobs and careers they might not ordinarily have thought about.  I hope they will take this aspiration forward, believe in themselves, and ultimately make their dream jobs a reality."