But there was plenty of fun too – including a walking tour of the French capital, visits to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and Versailles (where the party bumped into Mrs Maher's History Trip) and, not least, the journey by Eurostar from London St Pancras.

Mrs Chicken, who led the trip with Dr Maisey, said: "The French were very hospitable and made us very welcome."

Then, at the end of February, the School hosted 15 girls from Franklin who enjoyed local visits to Old Trafford, Styal Mill and Manchester Science and Industry Museum.