A SCHOOL which has taught Latin for over 600 years is cutting it from the curriculum, despite protests from parents and teachers.

Richmond School and Sixth Form College has today announced its new GCSE programme, with the classical language no longer listed.

The move mid-way through the academic year has shocked teachers and year 9 students, who opted to take Latin in September in the hope of continuing to GCSE.

Recently, the department was reduced to one teacher, offering Latin from year 9 to GCSE and Classical Civilisation in the Sixth Form.

It has been in a minority of comprehensive schools nationally to offer Latin, with the nearest alternative to be Ripon Grammar School.

Cathy Bothwell, former lead teacher for Latin and Classics, said: “It has been a small but vibrant part of the curriculum, with study trips running to Italy and Greece with support from the Richmond School Trust and 11 students in the past four years going on to study Classical subjects at degree level, including nine at Russell Group universities.

“Latin is seen by staff and parents alike as one of the distinctive features of the school, a sign of the continuity with the old grammar school ethos.”

When removing Latin was first suggested in 2016, there was an outcry from parents and students.

Professor Mary Beard, of Cambridge University, wrote to former headteacher Ian Robertson to urge him to reconsider.

The school’s governing body then decided to withdraw Classical Civilisation at GCSE level, while maintaining Latin.

However, since the beginning of December, the school left local authority control to join Stokesley School under the Areté Learning Trust.

Headteacher Jenna Potter said: “All schools are having to make adjustments to their curriculum offer due to funding restrictions.

“After considering a number of factors we have regrettably made the decision to cease offering Latin from September.

“Our curriculum will continue to consist of academic, practical and artistic subjects that promote the school’s vision of providing the best possible educational experiences and high quality outcomes for the young people of Richmondshire.”