A HOST of world-famous businesses helped shape the 'future direction' of a secondary school at an innovative summit.

Firms including Mini and British Airways attended Carterton Community College's first Vision Summit on Friday, which was also attended by representatives from RAF Brize Norton and councillors.

The summit aimed to align the values of the school with the other institutions in attendance and chair of governors, Mark Winch, hailed the community response.

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He said: “Involving the wider local community in setting out our long-term vision allows us to build synergies with local community leaders, businesses, RAF Brize Norton and primary schools.

"This means a more joined up future vision for the school that links to the needs of the community we serve.

"The support we receive from our local community is amazing and will allow us to be bold with our future direction and aspirations and to offer our students opportunities not available elsewhere.”

Several primary schools and higher institutions also attended the event, along with several residents from the community.

The summit is part of a wider consultation with students, staff and parents, with a further summit set to be held in December to help develop the school's 'strategic aims'.

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Chris Hart, who recently became headteacher at the school, said: “Being new to Carterton, this event underlined to me the genuine commitment to the success of our school from a wide range of organisations and professionals in our community.

"The shared concern to provide the very best opportunities for youngsters whilst at school, and for their futures, was palpable throughout the summit.

"I am grateful to all who attended and look forward to building our children’s futures with the support of our stakeholder partners."

This year, the school linked up with RAF Brize Norton in a 'STEM Partnership Plan' for pupils studying science and engineering.