SCHOOLS enjoyed a visit from international model and entrepreneur David Gandy.

He visited his former schools, Sunnymede Junior School and The Billericay School, both in Billericay to share his journey from school to stardom and encourage all children and young people to aspire and dream without limits.

David is also as an ambassador for award-winning education charity Achievement for All, which works in partnership with schools and education settings to raise outcomes for all children and young people, irrespective of background, challenge or need.

As part of his support for the charity, David has part-funded his schools to adopt the charity’s Achieving Schools programme.

Ahson Mohammed, headteacher at The Billericay School, said:“We’re very pleased to see David come back to his old school and meet the students who are taking part in the Achievement for All programme.

“The impact of his visit, and the programme as a whole, cannot be understated. The students really value the opportunity to have an in-school mentor and to feel empowered to discuss aspirational paths they want to follow as well as their ambitions for the future. David is a fantastic role model for the students, he really is a positive influence on them and the students I have spoken to have said how much they gained from being part of the programme.”

Ronnie Branch, headteacher at Sunnymede Junior School, which is celebrating its 60thbirthday this year, said:“We are delighted to be part of the Achievement for All network, which has been made possible for us as a result of David's generosity in sponsoring us."

The visit took place on Thursday November 1.