Former Putteridge High pupil Elizabeth Price, 46, has scooped the country’s top art award, the Turner Prize.
The one-time member of pop group Talulah Gosh won over the judges with her video installation The Woolworths Choir of 1979.
The 15 minute film – based on a furniture store disaster – combines news footage, pop clips and personal accounts of the tragedy which killed 10 at Woolworths in Manchester in 1979.
After receiving the £25,000 from actor Jude Law, Ms Price said: “I’m interested in the medium of video as something you experience sensually , that you feel as a dramatic surge.”
Staff and students at Stopsley’s Putteridge High were over the moon at the news.
Headteacher Gillian Stephens said: “It’s a very proud moment for the school.
“We’re all thrilled and delighted.
“We’ve been following the story for some time and we’re really, really excited.”
Ms Stephens said she hoped Elizabeth would visit her former almer mater to share her success.