A YEAR 7 pupil in Salisbury is officially one of the country’s top spellers after winning a national competition.

Elyssa Kiang from South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) competed in the national final of the MFL Spelling Bee at the University of Cambridge at the end of June.

Her entry in the prestigious competition comes after she won the South West regional final of the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee competition in German in Bath in April.

The competition saw participants learn and practise 300 German, French or Spanish words – with just one minute to translate and spell as many as they can live on stage.

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Three SWGS students qualified to compete at the national finals, competing in the French and German sections.

Madame Hackett, head of modern foreign languages, praised Elyssa for her achievement.

“Spelling Bee is popular at SWGS, and our students have had great success at this prestigious competition over the years,” she said.

“The SWGS Modern Foreign Languages department, our dedicated sixth form helpers, and the whole school community are immensely proud of our three talented linguists.

“They have shown outstanding commitment throughout the year, mastering 300 French and German words to prepare for this challenge.

“We are delighted for Elyssa that she is national champion in the German Spelling Bee.”