A visit from a former British tennis ace served up an unforgettable experience, putting our pupils through their sporting paces.

Jade Windley, who has 19 professional tennis titles to her name, spent the day at Walpole Cross Keys Primary as part of the Great Athletes initiative, which sends top athletes, world champions, Olympians, and Paralympians into schools across the UK to inspire children and help raise funds to support physical activity.

The former British Junior Number One and 2008 National Champion was ranked in the top 5 for Great Britain in singles and doubles during her professional career, which saw her compete at Wimbledon over a seven-year period, before a car accident forced her to retire from the sport.

Our Assistant Head, Rachel Daws, was impressed with how the children rose to the fitness challenge – as well as the significant amount raised to promote physical activity at Walpole Cross Keys, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“All pupils took part in a sponsored fitness circuit run by their athlete, Jade Windley,” she said.

“We have raised approximately £1,100 so far.”

There was also the chance for our pupils to put their questions to the star, who has been working as a tennis coach since her retirement from the professional game.

Miss Daws continued: “The athlete then shared her incredible sporting journey, a story of resilience and determination, in a fun and interactive assembly.

“An opportunity was given to ask any burning questions in a Q and A session with the inspiring role model at the end.”

She added: “This was a terrific way to get all children excited about sport and realise that getting moving is really fun.”

Children from our school were hitting all the right targets, when they joined others from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust to test their skills in an archery competition.

The Upper Key Stage 2 event was hosted by Heacham Junior School, and saw 30 Year 5 and 6 pupils from across the Trust’s six primary schools compete in teams in a series of challenges.

Among the activities were a ‘pizza game’ where pupils had to hit coloured segments of a target representing ‘base’, ‘sauce’, and ‘toppings’ in the right order to build up a pizza, and a contest to score the highest points in a set time limit. Each participant received a certificate to mark their achievements.

Besides Heacham Junior, other participating Trust primaries included Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn.

“Events hosted by our Trust are important because they help children build confidence, focus, and teamwork, while trying something new and inclusive,” said James Agate, who is Year 4 Class Teacher at Heacham Junior and oversaw the event.

“They also give schools a chance to bring students together, encourage participation in sport, and support wellbeing and personal development. These events create positive experiences that can inspire children both in and outside the classroom.”