Year 8 students from The Beech Academy (above) attended the Other Voices event at the home of Derby County Football Club, the iPro Stadium, to present to children from other schools.

The event was run by Global Education Derby and aimed to get special needs students communicating and building their communication and leadership potential.

Pupils from the academy, part of The Evolve Trust, had a tour of the stadium, and played communication-themed games with those from similar settings.

Class teaching assistant Mrs Cosgrove said: “It was great so see our students speaking so clearly and confidently in front of strangers. I was proud of the way they mixed with learners from other institutions.

“This isn’t an easy skill to master, which makes it a huge achievement for the Beech students.”