A FORMER sports champion talked to teachers at a Basingstoke school about how a positive mindset can improve educational achievement.

Matthew Syed, who represented Great Britain in table tennis at two Olympic Games and is now a sports journalist and broadcaster, visited The Costello School to hold a professional learning day for representatives from secondary schools across Hampshire.

Representatives from 22 schools across Basingstoke, Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton attended the school to listen to Matthew’s presentation which discussed performance, strategy and having a growth mindset.

David Nicholson, headteacher at The Costello School, said: “It was a really good day and he was very charismatic and compelling to listen to.

“He talked about how we can use a positive mindset in our teaching and to encourage students to have the qualities and ability to believe in themselves and value their efforts rather than their ability.”

Mr Nicholson added: “All schools need to value students’ efforts.

“Evidence shows that effort makes the biggest difference in long-term success.”