A language teacher from Shirebrook travelled to the Houses of Parliament to represent his school at a meeting held to discuss why fewer UK students are taking part in foreign exchange visits.

James Edwards, head of modern foreign languages at Shirebrook Academy, spoke about the school’s plans to hold what is believed to be its first foreign exchange visit at a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages.

Only 30% of state schools currently take part in exchange visits, but Shirebrook Academy is bucking the trend by teaming up with a school in Toulon, France, which is sending 11 students to Shirebrook next month, with 10 Academy students set to make a reciprocal visit in May.

James, who travelled to London with academy principal Mark Cottingham, spent around 10 minutes talking about the school’s plans.

He said: “I spoke about the hurdles schools have to overcome to organise trips, but also about how fantastic our students and their parents have been in buying into the idea of taking part in our first trip and agreeing to host an overseas student.

“The opportunity to experience living with a family in another country can be life-changing, while hosting a visit can make you reflect on your culture and local area through different eyes.”