A SCHOOL has become a centre of excellence for learning Mandarin Chinese.

Dartford Grammar School has been named a Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) Confucius Institute for the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture.

SSAT chief executive Elizabeth Reid said: “The teaching of Mandarin Chinese is increasingly important for the lives and careers of young people in this country.

“During the economic problems of the last two years, China’s role in the global economy has strengthened while other economies, including our own, have faltered.

“This has underlined the necessity for young people to gain an understanding of China and its language, as many will be seeking jobs in the future for which this knowledge is essential.”