Scores of pupils at a grammar school will get the chance to visit far-flung countries after a successful bid for £200,000.

The students from Folkestone and surrounding areas will enjoy "life-changing" experiences in Spain, Cuba, Morocco, Tanzania and Nepal after Folkestone School for Girls (FSG) secured the funding from the Turing Scheme.

Initially 100 pupils will benefit from the overseas trips, supported by the cash from the Government's programme which supports educational organisations to create links with countries around the world.

A school spokesman said: "We want our girls to know that as human beings there is much more that unites us than divides us. Global problems require global solutions - we must work together.

"The life-changing visits abroad that Turing Scheme will enable us to provide for 100 students, who would never otherwise have the opportunity to visit such places, will have an impact on those individuals far, far beyond their school days.

"We believe our successful £200,000 bid is a compelling, comprehensive and cohesive vision to impact on all of our students, our staff, our curriculum, our school & our global community. Now, and for the future."

FSG is already classed as an ‘international’ school, with existing partnerships with the five countries that are part of new programme, as well as Bangladesh, Lebanon and France.

"Global problems require global solutions - we must work together..."

Girls converse with their counterparts overseas as pen-pals and regularly use video conferencing facilities to beam children from around the world into classrooms.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone