A Tidworth school had a lesson in overcoming barriers when a Paralympic swimming champion dropped in to tell them what it was like growing up with cerebral palsy.

Students at The Wellington Academy were visited by Paralympian Liz Johnson, who has won medals at three Paralympics, achieving Gold in Beijing, Silver in Athens and Bronze in London.

Liz visited the school as part of its Celebrating Diversity Day, and spoke to many of the students one-to-one.

Wheelchair basketball sessions were also held by Sports England.

The school suspends the standard timetable on several days throughout the academic year for 'values days', when the whole school can explore topics connected to values, wellbeing and culture.

Deputy headteacher Rob Wood said: “Liz was absolutely inspirational, telling us all what it was like to grow up with cerebral palsy and how she kept going with swimming, eventually becoming one of the select few to have won gold medals in the Paralympics, World Championships and European Championships.

"We’re in a diverse society here in Tidworth and our students come from diverse backgrounds, which is a point that is often made when we ask students and families for feedback.

“Students have told us they are keen to learn more about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or questioning communities and also find out more about disabilities.

"We gave each year group a topic to explore in various ways, including discussions, practical tasks, artwork, cooking and sport.

“Year 7 looked at British values, asking themselves who am I and what makes me unique, and included teambuilding exercises based on making the most of each team member’s personal strengths.

“Year 8 explored LGBTIQ+ issues, and Year 9 looked at disability in sport, which is where Liz Johnson began her day with us.”

The athlete champion Liz Johnson added: “It was really great to see the enthusiasm of the students for understanding and experiencing differences.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to answer their questions and help them reflect on their experiences throughout the day as they developed an empathy for barriers that exist and also recognise the opportunities and potential that every individual has if they are accepted for who they are by themselves and others.”

The day's organiser and Head of Year 8, Sophie Norrish, said students were very excited to see that Liz Johnson stayed for the entire day: "Many said that wheelchair basketball was their favourite element, but others told us that they really value that they can talk openly about topics such as LGBTIQ+ and feel supported by the school.”