Plaque honour for school’s golden girl Dame Jessica

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill returned to King Ecgbert School in Sheffield, where she studied from 1997 to 2004, for the unveiling of a plaque celebrating former state-school pupils. The honour recognises her sporting achievements and supports a campaign to give state schools a visible record of their alumni’s success.

Ennis-Hill called the return special and said the school’s support helped her broaden her opportunities. Head teacher Peter Haigh highlighted her progress through GCSEs, A-levels and a psychology degree before she became an Olympic champion. King Ecgbert is among the first schools to receive a Made in State School plaque; other inaugural honourees include David Attenborough, Jacqueline Wilson, Stormzy and Harry Kane.