We welcomed local lad and former Team GB boxer Calum French on Monday 7 April when students were treated to training tips and heard about his story of building personal resilience to develop a winning, positive mind set.

French, a European bronze medallist in 2017, and pro super-lightweight boxer, enjoyed a stunning 35-fight winning streak stretching from 2012 until 2017 during a glittering amateur career in which he medalled for Team GB and reached the semi-finals with the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing.

Calum has travelled all of the world in his boxing career but supporting the local community is important to him, and it is one of the reasons he chose to visit Kingsmeadow to inspire the students and share his skills and experience.

Calum said: “It is a pleasure to visit Kingsmeadow and showcase boxing drills, exercises, and light-contact techniques. Best of all was fielding all of the students’ questions – I’m delighted they were so eager and they were a pleasure to meet and teach.”

Mr Barrett, Headteacher said: “The students (and some staff) loved the boxing sessions and came out smiling even through their exhaustion! This was a great opportunity for our students to see and speak to a professional sportsperson. It is wonderful to be able to give the students these experiences, and a huge thank you to Calum for giving up his time and expertise for the students of Kingsmeadow Community School.”