BRIGHT youngsters got the chance to meet an Olympian at a special educational workshop.

Nick Gillingham, double Olympic medallist and former World, European and Commonwealth Champion swimmer, provided a personalised one-day workshop on motivation and performance techniques to help the Villiers Park Educational Trust Scholars from Swindon achieve their personal goals.

The University College London hosted the Planning 4 Success workshop for the 60 Year 12 students who travelled from Swindon, Hastings and Bexhill.

Reflecting on the event in London, Beth George, a Year 12 student from Swindon, said: “I thought it was a really interesting event as it not only showed us what it is like to go to one of the top universities in the country, but it also gave us some helpful information on the application process.

“The guest speaker was particularly interesting to listen to and really helped motivate us all.”

During the workshop Nick provided examples, from his experiences of representing Great Britain for 13 years, to inspire and motivate the students.

In addition to bringing along his medals to show the students, he provided practical activities to help scholars visualise success and improve resilience when working towards their goals.

Nick said: “Having experienced a day with the Scholars and gained an insight into the Scholars Programme, I am fully convinced that all the goals and objectives for the future of the young people involved will continue to be met.

“Four years in, the Scholars Programme is in its strongest position to date in terms of what it offers and the success it is having.

“All the students I met on the day were a delight to work with.

“Congratulations to them all and of course to Villiers Park Educational Trust for the excellent opportunity they offer to students with high academic potential from less advantaged backgrounds.”

The Villiers Park Educational Trust Scholars Programme is a comprehensive four-year pathway of support that helps able students from disadvantaged backgrounds, in Swindon and Hastings and Bexhill, to raise their aspirations and to fulfil their potential.

The programme works holistically with the student, their school and their parents.

Scholars experience a wide range of personalised support and interesting, challenging residential and non-residential activities Jeremy Reynolds, director of the Scholars Programme, said: “Nick Gillingham encouraged the Year 12 scholars to consider the importance of motivation and goal setting in achieving educational success.

“Showing great passion for the Scholars Programme, he powerfully drew upon his own background and journey to show how the right strategies can lead to the young people fulfilling their potential and attaining academic excellence.”