Gifted students at the Wey Valley School are receiving specialist sports coaching sessions at Bath University.

Pupils are receiving the specialist individual and group coaching due to the school’s sports college status.

More than 300 students, identified by their teachers as being particularly talented at sports, have been attending these sessions at Bath University since 2009.

Stuart Heath, a PE teacher at Wey Valley, said: “Bath boasts some of the best facilities the country can offer.

“These visits let our students see the wonderful sporting facilities which could be available to them if they go to university, and gives them an insight into university life. “They’ve been given expert coaching in a variety of sports which has been of tremendous benefit to them in expanding their personal skills set.”

The students also attend sessions focusing on student fitness at the university’s indoors athletics track, with tests on speed, agility, balance and concentration, plus present-ations on the key attributes they look for in sportspeople.

Jess Clements, Bath University sports development officer, said: “We welcome back The Wey Valley School for a series of excellent sports sessions that inspire students in their field of sport with the aim to go further at school, club and regional level.

“The students at Wey Valley have shown great commitment to learning new techniques and applying them individually and as a team.”

Mr Heath added: “We are seeing a number of our students turning into exceptional athletes and this is complementing their academic skills in the classroom.

“These visits to Bath really inspire our students to reach the very top.”

Emily, a Year Nine student, said: “It was a great day. The netball coach from Team Bath was fantastic, and has taught me new skills and techniques that I can bring back to school and the netball club I play for.

“The afternoon session on group work, skills and endur-ance in the athletic arena was really inspiring.

“The facilities at Bath are brilliant and I’m sure the visit will help me with my PE studies at school.”