HANNAH Tapley, a year 10 pupil at Malvern St James Girls’ School, has leapt up the English Schools’ Athletics Championships leaderboard to take number two ranking in the UK for the under 17s high jump.

The 15-year-old scooped her new position by jumping 1.60 metres in competition in Birmingham this month.

Patricia Woodhouse, headteacher of Malvern St James, said: “Hannah is an outstanding sportswoman and her new ranking demonstrates her ability and ambition, as well as being a just reward for the effort and determination she has put into training.

"The whole school is incredibly proud of her and will be watching and supporting her as the season progresses."