Sawtry Community College, in Sawtry, near Peterborough, was the first stop on the national award tour of forward-thinking schools by the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT).

The two-week Futures Vision Tour Awards are being held in recognition of the role played by pupils and staff in placing their schools at the heart of their communities.

Sawtry headteacher Alan Stevens said the secondary school had been building strong links with the area since the day it opened back in 1963.

He said: "Sawtry Community College has always been at the centre of community life.

"The college and the community work together to ensure our community is sustainable and able to meet the future challenges of raising educational standards and skills."

Chief executive of the SSAT Elizabeth Reid said: "Successful schools are central to the areas they serve and, through innovative partnerships with a wide-range of individuals and organisations, they help all young people to realise their potential and succeed."