Students at Strode College in Street have been praised for their powerful work raising awareness of domestic abuse – earning them a top award from Avon and Somerset Police.

The college's performing arts group won the Educational Partnership Award for their standout role in Strong Voices, Safe Communities, a community conference held earlier this month in Street. The event focused on coercive control and was created in partnership with police, Strode College, and actor and campaigner Sam Beckinsale, herself a survivor of domestic abuse.

The students used theatre to shine a light on hidden abuse, performing a series of short scenes that explored the realities of coercive control in relationships. Their work left a lasting impression, with emotional responses from frontline workers, community leaders and business representatives attending the conference.

Detective Superintendent Kristina Windsor nominated the students for the award, praising their creativity and the emotional impact of their performances.

The event – held on 2 June – brought together employers from across Somerset's retail, hospitality and service sectors to raise awareness of how domestic abuse can remain hidden in the workplace. The aim was to encourage bystander intervention and highlight the role employers can play in supporting victims.

John Revill, Principal and CEO of Strode College, said: "We are beyond proud of our students. Their hard work, empathy and talent brought to life the importance of community responsibility. This award is affirmation that our young people are the change agents society needs."

The students will officially receive the award on 9 July at a ceremony hosted by Avon and Somerset Police at The Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.

Revill added: "We can't wait to represent our college, our town, and our shared commitment to safer, more compassionate communities."