AN OTLEY school has been ranked amongst the country’s top two per cent for the quality of its language teaching.

Prince Henry’s Grammar School had 89 per cent of its students entered for English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects - which include a language - last summer.

And 98 per cent of the students sat a language GCSE, with nearly a quarter achieving a top grade.

That accomplishment has now been recognised by the Government’s Minister of State for Education Standards, Nick Gibb MP.

Writing to congratulate Prince Henry’s, he said: “Your school is in the top two per cent of all state-funded, mainstream secondary schools in the country so far as language is concerned.

“Your school’s EBacc and language GCSE entries mean your school is providing pupils with a firm foundation in linguistic knowledge, as well as broadening their horizons and enabling them to embark on further study.

“Thank you and congratulations again to you and your staff.”

Headteacher Janet Sheriff said: “At Prince Henry’s, we have always been committed to teaching a broad and balanced curriculum to prepare our students for their futures as members of an increasingly global society.

“Modern Foreign Languages have been an essential part of this provision for many years. Our students achieve well at GCSE and this provides an excellent foundation for further study.

“We have consistently been one of the few Sixth Forms in Leeds to offer three languages at A Level, where high achievement is also the norm. We are delighted that the Rt Hon Nick Gibb has recognised the hard work of all our staff, who are committed to supporting our students to become truly global citizens.”

The other Ebacc subjects include English language and literature, maths, two sciences and geography or history.