It was the end of an era in Corby yesterday when Corby Community College declared its last ever home-time.

The Oakley Road school closed amid emotional scenes as staff and pupils said goodbye to the site which has served generations of Corby schoolchildren.

The school will now be bulldozed to make way for Tresham Institute's new campus, while more than half of the staff and most of the pupils will transfer to the Corby Business Academy at the Priors Hall estate in September.

And although there was a feeling of optimism about the future at a special barbecue on Friday to mark the final day, there was still some sadness that it has come to an end.

Headteacher Pamela Hutchinson, who will not be joining the academy for the new term but is joining Montsaye Community College, in Rothwell, after seven years, said: "I feel a great deal of pride.

"I look at where we were and where we are now and the opportunities that the children have and I feel really optimistic.

"The children are really self-motivated and we have given them a real springboard to move on into employment or into the academy.

"It's true that there has been a long history of schools on this site but if Tresham comes here the educational aspect continues. I have loved my time here and it has been very fulfilling."

The school was formed after Queen Elizabeth and Beanfield schools merged in 2000. Before that other schools occupied the site.

Pupil Nicole Parsons, 13, said: "I was happy because we were celebrating and had a good day. It's also sad to see it close because its improved so much over the years. The children are looking forward to the new school but a lot of them are sad because there's a lot of memories here."

Year 10 student Chris Usher, 15, added: "It's good to move on to the academy, but it's also sad to go."

A book chronicling the history of Corby Community College has been given to pupils and staff filled with photographs and memories.