47 students at Hampton Court House have been awarded their DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) certificates, at a special ceremony which showcasing the students’ exceptional French language skills.

The DELF is an internationally recognized French language proficiency diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education.

Designed to assess four key language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—the DELF offers a tangible benchmark of fluency for learners. Recognized worldwide, it not only enhances students’ academic profiles but also opens doors to future studies and careers in multilingual environments.

The certificate ceremony, held in the beautiful setting of Hampton Court House, was led by Axelle Oxborrow, Head of the National DELF/DALF Office for the UK, and Anne-Lise Gallay, French Language Attaché from the French Embassy.

From Year 1, students at HCH embark on a bilingual journey through the school’s renowned French Immersion Programme. By immersing students in the French language during their formative years, the school nurtures natural fluency, cross-cultural understanding, and cognitive flexibility. This foundation allows students in Years 4 -12 to approach formal certifications, such as the DELF, with confidence and competence.

Principal Kate Vintiner commented:
“Language learning is central to the Hampton Court House philosophy. Mastering a second language, especially from an early age, not only equips our students with vital communication skills but also fosters global awareness and empathy.
The DELF programme highlights our commitment to languages, providing our students with internationally recognized validation of their achievements.”

Learning a foreign language from an early age is known to deliver wide-ranging benefits, from enhanced problem-solving abilities to greater adaptability in unfamiliar contexts.

The DELF certification offers students lifelong benefits, including a competitive edge in university applications and the workforce.