Mr Johnson, Director of Specialism (Sport) and Assistant Head Teacher, has become one of only 15 secondary school staff in the country to be awarded a new Fellowship to forge links within the community.

Mr Johnson said he was delighted and honoured to have been selected for the Sinnott Fellowship, founded in memory of the late National Union of Teachers’ (NUT) General Secretary, Steve Sinnott, who died last year at the age of 56.

“I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to develop the outward facing aspect of Bishop Barrington School. I am passionate about community use of schools and also the positive values achieved by pupils engaging within the community, both locally and internationally.”

“I will be spending two days a week, until January, setting up new partnerships with community groups to ensure our school achieves the vision of becoming a school at the heart of the local community and one in which pupils, families and other members of the community can access a wide range of resources, activities and facilities,” said Mr Johnson.

Mr Bruce Guthrie, Head Teacher, said: “I would like to congratulate Ben. This is a significant achievement, to be only one of 15 selected for this Fellowship. All credit to him; it is also recognition of the contribution he has made to Bishop Barrington School.”

Mr Johnson is to attend an induction course in London on April 22, following his successful interview, also in London, on March 20.

Mr Johnson, Director of Specialism (Sport) and Assistant Head Teacher, at Bishop Barrington School Sports With Mathematics College.