We are very proud to announce that Lower Sixth student Lara Spajić has achieved an exceptional double success in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.

Lara gained commendations in both Spanish and Mandarin in this highly competitive, UK‑wide competition organised by The Queen’s College, University of Oxford

Lara reflected: “Entering the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators was an exciting opportunity for me to challenge myself and deepen my passion for languages. I chose to submit entries in both the L4 Spanish and L3 Chinese categories because translation brings together two things I love most: problem‑solving and creative expression. When I received the news that both of my submissions had been highly commended by the judges especially in a year with over 25,000 participants - I felt incredibly proud of the work I had put in.

“I decided to enter the competition because translation is more than simply converting words from one language to another. It requires understanding culture, tone, nuance, and intention. Working on the Spanish and Mandarin texts pushed me to think carefully about meaning and style, and to find the most accurate and expressive way to convey ideas. This process reminded me why I enjoy studying languages so deeply.

“My love for languages has grown over many years. I study Spanish at A level, and it has become one of the subjects I feel most connected to. I have also been learning Chinese for ten years, which has shaped the way I see the world and taught me values of discipline and curiosity. Both languages have opened doors to new cultures, new ways of thinking, and new relationships. They have shown me that communication is a powerful tool, one that can bridge differences and bring people together.

“Languages are, in many ways, a window to the world. They allow us to understand perspectives beyond our own and to appreciate the richness of global cultures. I believe they are also a hidden strength: the ability to speak another language builds confidence, adaptability, and empathy. For this reason, I always encourage younger students to embrace languages and to see them not as a school subject, but as a lifelong skill that will enrich their futures.”