Sixteen Oxfordshire schools which have been bringing the world into the classroom have won prestige recognition for their work.

The foreign dimension took many shapes and forms as children learned languages, set up e-mail links to youngsters in other countries, and dipped into exotic arts and cultures.

Only 85 International School Awards (ISAs) were awarded across the country, 16 of them to Oxfordshire schools.

They received the awards at a special ceremony and exhibition at Exeter Hall, Kidlington.

The ISAs are administered by The British Council and recognise schools which carry out a range of international activities.

Among the winners were pupils at Bampton Primary School. Head Julie Evans, said the children had made foreign flags and staged a concert.

Other ISA winners were: Barley Hill Primary, Thame; Bicester Community College; Bure Park Primary, Bicester; Ewelme Primary, near Wallingford; Faringdon Infants School; Hornton Primary, near Banbury; Langford Village Community Primary, Bicester; Larkrise First School, Oxford; Oxford School in Glanville Road; Rush Common Primary, Abingdon; St Michael's First School, Oxford; St Nicolas Primary, Abingdon; Sibford Gower Endowed Primary, near Banbury; Springfield special school, Witney, and Stonesfield Primary School.