JAMIE Peacock MBE this week visited St. Mary’s, Menston to speak to Year 11 students during their morning assembly, in preparation for their forthcoming GCSE examinations.

Jamie is an English professional Rugby League footballer who played for Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls in the Super League and captained both Great Britain and England at international level. He has been a Super League Grand Final Champion nine times, World Club Champion four times and was Super League Man of Steel in 2003. In 2011 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Rugby League.

During the assembly on Wednesday, Jamie spoke of his rise to the top and how he used six key steps to achieve his success: good attitude, positive influences, self-belief, goal setting, no limits and ‘the extra mile’.

The year group were a credit to themselves and the school and at the end of his talk, Jamie was quick to commend all those present.

Year 11 Student Progress Leader, Mr Giles Wilkes said: “Jamie was truly motivating and incredibly humble about his achievements. It was really encouraging to hear some of the conversations as the pupils left the main hall and it was a privilege to be able to welcome him to St. Mary’s.”