Bilingual Education at the Herman Ottó Grammar School by Dóra Kovács Herman Ottó Secondary Grammar School is situated in Miskolc, the third biggest town of Hungary and the cultural centre of the North-East. The school has 860 pupils, boys and girls in equal proportions. It is one of the most prestigious grammar schools in the region particularly as far as humanities are concerned. In 1994 the school moved into a new building, whose spacious and harmonious environment made the school even more popular with students and their parents. Bilingual education introduced in the 1990"s and very popular ever since is a programme where besides reinforced language learning, at least three other subjects must be taught in the target language. Undertaking education through a foreign language requires a solid linguistic background, and so two types of bilingual classes can be found at secondary level and pupils (and parents) can choose between the four- or five-year programmes. Parents are ready to put their children in such classes not only in view of enhanced language acquisition but also in the hope of a higher level of education in general. In fact, these classes often prove to be more successful in other subjects as well, a result which is probably related to the students' high motivation and the strong parental involvement and support in the background. Our English section works with the four-year bilingual programme, which means that pupils would already have acquired B1 (Common European Framework) level in the given foreign language which enables them to carry out studies through the medium of this language. This also means that a rigorous selection process is necessary. Therefore the school organises entrance examinations mainly to test the pupils" speaking, reading and writing skills in the target language and also the candidates' intellectual capacities and language learning abilities. The skills are absolutely required for the students to be able to follow the subjects taught in English. (History, Computer Studies, Biology or Mathematics and English and American Civilisation). Language learning is very hard work and requires assiduity and strong will on the part of the learners. Moreover, bilingual classes have special programmes and this means that those who cannot keep up with the requirements cannot change classes. It is thus of extreme importance that we choose young people who are perseverant enough to live up to this difficult task. Education as such has undergone manifold changes during the last fifteen years. The latest - and perhaps the most important - of them is the reform of the upper level final examination. When the new format of the examination was introduced pupils in bilingual education did not really have a choice but to take it. It is the "A" level type examination which provides students with the extra points that are necessary for admission to the prestigious universities. Bilingual education is still very popular in Hungary and is a very sought after specialisation in the Herman Ottó Grammar School of Miskolc, too. The presence of native speakers is obligatory and - as a matter of fact - absolutely necessary in bilingual education. Due to enhanced language learning and the possibility of extracurricular activities such as drama or participating in different international projects, our pupils learn to use the language in everyday life and for professional purposes as well. Quality language learning and teaching is ensured which increases the chances for these pupils of getting in, and coping with the requirements of English departments in higher education. Almost a hundred per cent of our students following the English programme have been admitted to university, and these students have been successful in subjects other than English too.