The object of the award is to recognise schools whose quality of life and work is practically enriched by their links with the community and environment.

Guidelines on the award will be sent to schools between October 20 and 27.

Schools have to submit a preliminary application by November 30 which will be scrutinised by regional panels in December and January 1996.

The award trustees, whose sponsors include the Society of Education Officers, the Department for Education and Employment and the Welsh Office, have decided for the first time this year to charge a registration fee of between Pounds 100 for schools with under 100 pupils and Pounds 500 for schools with more than 1,000 pupils.