CRC Huntingdon Named ‘School of the Year’ at Cambs LTA Tennis Awards

Cambridge Regional College (CRC) is celebrating after being named School of the Year at the 2026 Cambs LTA Tennis Awards, recognising the exceptional partnership work between the college’s Huntingdon Campus and Huntingdon Tennis Club. The announcement was made following the awards ceremony on 26 February, held at the Wilberforce Road Sports Ground in Cambridge.

This prestigious title highlights CRC’s commitment to delivering inclusive, community‑focused tennis and pickleball activities, which have become an embedded part of the learning experience for the Supported Learning students on its Sport & Leisure vocational pathway programme.

The CRC Team accepting the School of the Year Award at the Cambridgeshire LTA Tennis Awards. L-R – Troy (Student), TonI, Lisa, Jakub (Student), Holly and Dave.

For the past two years, CRC students have taken part in regular tennis and pickleball lessons delivered in partnership with Huntingdon Tennis Club. These taught sessions, supported by club coach Jasmine Smith, who has also been shortlisted for Coach of the Year, have provided opportunities not only to develop sport-specific skills but also to enhance students’ independence, confidence and community inclusion.

The vocational pathways courses are designed specifically for students with Special Educational Needs, providing additional wrap around support and coaching for life skill development whilst developing skills in a specific vocational area like sport, horticulture, retail or animal care. 

Students walk from the Huntingdon Campus to the tennis club each week as part of their travel training, helping them build independence and familiarity with the local area. During lessons, they interact with club members and the general public, gaining valuable social, communication and teamwork skills.

In addition, two CRC students are currently undertaking work experience placements at the club, assisting with the delivery of children and youth sessions. Their excellent progress has led the club to invite them to support additional sessions, with the potential for future paid employment.

Holly Hayes, Course Leader, praised the students’ commitment and enthusiasm.
“This partnership has been transformative. Students have grown in confidence, independence and communication. Many have discovered a new passion for sport, and for some, this experience may even lead to future employment opportunities.”

Jeremy Lloyd, Assistant Principal, SEND, said, “This is a great example of how our programmes collaborate with community partners to develop student practical and enrichment skill. In this case students have been able to engage with the public in an open, busy tennis environment. They have also been developing their tennis skills and independence skills by walking to sessions, navigating local routes and building their confidence through meeting new people, communicating with coaches, and contributing to youth coaching sessions.

“A win-win delivering benefits for the individual learners and supporting the local tennis community.

“CRC is honoured to receive the School of the Year title. The recognition reflects a powerful and sustained partnership between the college, Huntingdon Tennis Club and coach Jasmine Smith, and the impressive achievements of the students themselves.”