A surrey school has been named as one of the winners of a prestigious architecture prize.

Christ’s College in Guildford, which specialises in the arts, is one of five buildings in the South East among the winners of the 2010 Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) awards.

Stephen Green, head of the 520-pupil school, said: “We moved here in February 2009 after an 18-month build. It is a very light building with masses of big windows.

“My favourite aspect is probably the atrium - a central courtyard which is a social area, dining area and is used for PE and assemblies. The theatre is also good as it has a brand new lighting rig and sound system. It could compete with the best theatres in the town.”

The RIBA judges praised the design, by London-based architect DSDHA, saying: “The five faculties within the school are boldly identified with brightly coloured doors in a predominantly grey, black and concrete series of internal finishes, which are subtle, grown-up and calming.” HW.