NEW Devizes School headteacher Phil Bevan wants to add a European flavour to his classrooms by going international.

Mr Bevan is to invite small groups of students from Europe to join the school on a year's placement and is working with an organisation in Bristol to find host families.

He was part of a similar arrangement at his former school in Bristol and found it rewarding for all. He said: "I am really excited about this opportunity to bring the outside world into Devizes and enrich the lives of our young people through this experience. There are already students keen to join us."

Mr Bevan, who joined Devizes School just a few weeks ago, also wants it win back the International Schools Award which it previously held. He said: "This is something that we would be looking to achieve again in the near future. However this new opportunity is one that will see a small number of students from some European countries join us on a year's placement."

The award, which is run by the British Council, helps children understand different culture and countries. But for now Mr Bevan is working with White House Guardianships to bring students to Devizes.

While head in Bristol four students, often from Germany, joined the school each year in Year 10 and up to eight in Year 12.

He said: "All of the students were able speak English when they arrived and as a result of their stay became more fluent. The students were always really positive and engaging young people who made a substantial contribution to all aspects of school life, academically, musically, in sport and in our school production.

"They made life long friendships with our students which often resulted in students organising future visits. Students at my school in Bristol had their horizons broadened in the most engaging way and through this they had opportunities to explore different cultures first hand and learn new languages."

He said that White House Guardianships had already visited Devizes School and had been impressed. He said: "They commented upon the really vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, the lovely staff and students and the impressive traditional feel of the architecture and buildings. Most of the other schools involved are private or independent schools so it is a special opportunity for us."