A prestigious film and TV school in Beaconsfield has been honoured for outstanding British contribution to cinema at the BAFTAs last night.

The National Film and Television School (NFTS), which counts directors Lynne Ramsay and David Yates, and animator Nick Park, among its alumni, was recognised for providing training for the next generation of creative talent, many of whom go on to win BAFTAs themselves.

Previous recipients of the outstanding British contribution to cinema award, handed out at the star-studded ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, include Sir Kenneth Branagh, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Ridley and Tony Scott and the Harry Potter movies.

Dr Jonathan Wardle, NFTS director, said: “This award is a huge honour.

“For almost five decades the NFTS has trained and educated people who go on to power British cinema. Our graduates have been responsible for some of British film and television’s greatest moments in recent years.

“With the generous support from our donors and the wider British film, television and games industries, we will continue to provide the people that ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the creative industries globally for years to come.”

The NFTS boasts alumni including BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated cinematographer Roger Deakins (No Country For Old Men), BAFTA-winning director David Yates (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), BAFTA and Oscar-winning animator Nick Park (Wallace And Gromit), Oscar-winning and BAFTA-nominated composer Dario Marianelli (Darkest Hour), BAFTA-winning director Sarah Gavron (Suffragette), Cannes Film Festival Vulcain Prize for the technical artist winning cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen (Molly’s Game) and BAFTA-winning director Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin).

Patrick McKenna, NFTS chairman, said: “For decades the National Film and Television School has been at the heart of Britain's creative industries and I am delighted that this has been recognised by BAFTA.

“This award marks a pivotal time in the school’s history as it enters an exciting period of growth and builds on its worldwide reputation for developing the talent that fuels our film, TV and games industries.”