SHE left behind a classroom in Almondbury.

And for Miranda Stavrakantonaki, it meant lessons with a difference - in Vienna, Budapest and Prague!

The Almondbury High School pupil has been representing the UK at a global youth conference.

Miranda, 15, has just returned from the two-week Global Young Leaders’ Conference, which took place in the three stunning cities.

Year 10 pupil Miranda was chosen for the conference because she is a talented linguist. She is studying French and takes Greek and Japanese lessons outside of school.

Director of Languages Richard Leech said: “We were looking for students with an interest in languages and travel and global issues, with the academic and social skills to cope.

“We had every confidence in Miranda being a success. She is one of our most able linguists but is also very clever in all subjects.”

It is the first year the school has been invited to put forward young delegates for the conference, which is organised by the Congregation Youth Leadership Council, based in Washington DC.

Mr Leech said: “The idea is to inspire young people to take an interest in global issues, as they may be future leaders. It’s been fantastic for Miranda herself but it’s also prestigious for the school.”

Miranda, of Newsome, was one of 407 young people from all over the world attending the conference.

They took part in many discussions about world issues, such as global security, pandemics and the environment.

They also attended seminars with diplomatic figures, including the Israeli ambassador in the Czech Republic.

Miranda said: “We had to discuss our national interests and how they fitted in with possible global solutions. We also did lots of cultural sightseeing.

“It was a steep learning curve but it’s helped me to see how diplomacy works. I’ve also made lots of friends from all over the world and it’s widened my awareness of the world. I would recommend this to anyone who gets the chance. It’s been amazing.”

Almondbury High School and Language College has strong international links, with pupils in regular contact with youngsters in Asia, Africa, America and Europe and teachers attending exchanges.

The school holds an International School Award for its work in this area.

Mr Leech said: “It helps broaden the children’s horizons. We were happy to be linked to this conference because it is global.

“It’s fantastic for the school that Miranda was accepted and fantastic that she’s had the confidence to go out there on her own.”