A school in St Albans has been given an award for international education.

Heathlands School has received the British Council’s International School Award.

In the 2011/12 school year pupils made contact with deaf students in France and Japan.

Younger pupils also put on a globe themed production titled Around the World in Eight Days.

Deborah Jones-Stevens, headteacher at the school, said: “The school community is delighted that we have achieved the International School Award.

“The staff and pupils had a very exciting year working towards this formal accreditation and are thrilled that their hard work has been recognised.”

John Rolfe from the British Council, said: “Many congratulations on your well deserved success in being accredited with the award.

"The school’s fantastic international work is not only giving the young people a better understanding of the world around them, but it’s really making a difference to their future prospects too.

“Employers are telling us that international skills are just as important as exam results – so everything the school is doing is vital preparation for life in a global society and work in a global economy.”