Schools Minister's praise for Leeds' school as it's named among best in country

Prince Henry’s Grammar School, in Otley, saw 89 per cent of its students entered for EBacc subjects last summer, with 98 per cent sitting a Language GCSE and nearly a quarter achieving a top grade.

Mr Gibb, in a letter to the school, 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.”

Prince Henry’s, with its roots in the market town dating back to 1607, now has over 1,400 students on its roll and counts Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield among its alumni. Is is a specialist language college.

Pride

Headteacher Janet Sheriff said she was immensely proud of the efforts of students and staff as the recognition was received.

“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,” she added.

“Modern Foreign Languages have been an essential part of this provision for many years.

“Our students achieve well at GCSE and this provides and excellent foundation for further study – we have consistently been one of the few Sixth Forms in Leeds to offer 3 languages at A Level, where high achievement is also the norm.

“We are delighted that the Schools Minister Nick Gibb has recognised the hard work of all our staff, who are committed to supporting our students to become truly global citizens.”