RICHMOND upon Thames Council has been named by the government as one of an elite group of Local Education Authorities who will lead a revolution in language learning.

The Pathfinder programme is a first step towards ensuring all seven to 11-year-olds have the opportunity to learn a foreign language.

Richmond has been selected to take part in pilot projects and develop strategies to introduce language learning for seven to 11-year-olds, share good practice both within and outside their LEA, share experienced staff and specialist equipment, foster professional development and develop partnerships.

The status also comes with a significant funding award which will allow the LEA to put more language programmes in place in the boroughs primary schools.

Commenting on the award, Cllr Geoffrey Samuel, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for schools, said: "I am delighted that we have been awarded Pathfinder status. We are very proud of our primary schools in Richmond – they are currently ranked as the best in England. This award recognises our excellent standards. The extra funding will allow us to provide even better opportunities for our 7-11 year olds to learn languages.

"In the 21st century language skills are becoming increasingly important for our young people if they are to get along in an ever more competitive global market. It is our intention that the children who pass through our schools get equipped with every advantage we can give them to take into their adult lives.

"Pathfinder will be part of our commitment to standards in education and our belief that traditional subjects (although taught in a modern way) are at the heart of real education.

"I would also like to thank the teachers and staff who have worked so hard to enable us to win this award. They are also a credit to Richmond."

Liberal Democrat Cllr Bob King added: "The successful outcome of this bid follows the borough's language service being selected as on of the eighteen Good Practice Projects coordinated by the Centre for Language Teaching and Research in 1999. It is a testimony to all the hard work in establishing the existing provision for languages in many of its schools.

"It will enable all its schools to participate in language teaching, some to develop their provision but many others to strengthen and consolidate what already exists. It will also enable our borough, with its leading edge experience, to share with other boroughs its expertise in this area. Many congratulations to all concerned."