EXTRA languages and opportunities have been opened up to a Worcestershire school after it was granted specialist status.

Prince Henry's High School in Evesham will become a languages college from next term.

The school, in Victoria Avenue, was the only county school named in the Government's selection of specialist schools this term.

It will now receive £100,000 to upgrade facilities, which will include refurbished classrooms and updated technology.

"We're delighted," said Bernard Roberts, headteacher at the school.

"It's really good for the school.

"We're going to expand our languages provision but we're also looking after our other subjects.

"We'll still be a non-selective comprehensive school but standards will rise across the board."

The school currently offers French and German throughout the school, with Spanish offered in the sixth-form.

The school intends to offer Spanish as an alternative second language and introduce Japanese into the curriculum.

"We're able to have more classes in languages as well as support local schools," said Mr Roberts.

"We already hold language showcases in our partner middle schools and we'll be looking at doing things with first schools as well."

The school hosted the county-wide Festival of Languages Showcase earlier this month where 19 schools performed in a variety of languages.

Specialist schools have a special focus on their chosen subject area but must meet the full National Curriculum requirements and deliver a "broad and balanced education" to pupils.