PUPILS can now pit their skills against the professionals thanks to state-of-the-art technology installed in their multi-million pound sports hall and classroom complex.

John Hampden Grammar School (JHGS) has invested in hi-tech motion sensitive cameras to help improve their pupils' sports technique.

In debriefing, pupils can learn from their mistakes or study the form of their sporting heroes.

Head boy Richard Frost said: "The motion sensors in the hall are linked to video cameras which allow you to analyse your technique.

"You can see yourself on the screen and the teacher can show you what you should be doing compared to what you are."

The equipment is part of a £2million sports hall and classroom development known as the New Quad also comprising six new classrooms for English and maths equipped with interactive smart boards.

It was officially opened by ex-Arsenal goalie Bob Wilson at a school assembly last Thursday. He also gave students a peek at the football to be used at the World Cup.

Speaking at the assembly, headteacher Stephen Noakes said: "John Hampden Grammar School has an excellent sporting tradition but we were limited by our poor facilities."

JHGS is the only school in the country to receive Sport England's Sportsmark Award with distinction for promoting excellence in physical education and school sport.

Mr Noakes continued: "I am sure you all remember what it used to look like. It was a rough patch of earth with some tacky nets.

"Now we have a fantastic new resource that has been making a significant impact already."

The sports hall has been in use since October and allowed the boys to enter their first five-a-side indoor football team in the national schools tournament.

They returned as the winners of the south east.

The head boy continued: "It's a huge benefit for everyone. Not just for the sporting elite but also the grass roots player too.

"It has increased the level of sporting participation overall because there is more space for after school clubs to use it and it also allows the school teams to train."

Most of the money was contributed by the LEA in recognition of the school's sporting achievement and The Parents Association contributed £200,000 towards the development.

In the future the school hopes to open up its sports hall for community sporting use and is in negotiations with the leisure centre at Handy Cross to manage this use.