Young leaders from 13 schools were riding high when Team GB cyclist Emily Nelson returned home to launch the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership’s first student conference.

The former world track cycling champion joined 150 children at Lichfield’s spectacular Whitemoor Lakes activity centre for a day of collaboration, learning, friendship and adventure.

The inaugural event, which was designed by students, brought young leaders together to recognise and celebrate their outstanding contribution to school life.

Emily is a former pupil of Lichfield’s Scotch Orchard Primary School and Nether Stowe Secondary school, two of the ATLP’s 13 academies in Birmingham, North Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Her sister Josie, also a former pupils of both schools, is part of Team GB’s mountain biking squad and their mother Linda, who attended the conference, is a former governor of those academies.

Fresh from last month’s victory in the Women’s CiCLE Classic Race, Emily took to the podium at Whitemoor Lakes to talk to students about the values of teamwork and ambition, along with her passion for the environment.

She said: “All of you can do whatever you want to do. It’s not just about winning medals though – do something that you enjoy, whether that’s taking part in sport or playing a musical instrument, believe in yourself, be passionate, work hard and go for it!”

The varied conference programme enabled children to explore a range of activities at Whitemoor Lakes, the region’s key provider of outdoor and indoor pursuits for children and young people.

The conference was the brainchild of ATLP’s student leadership group - a collective of 40 students from across all partner schools - who strive to give children and young people access to enriching opportunities throughout their education, thanks to an ambitious calendar of events.

In June, young leaders helped to launch the Eco Pledge at Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce’s Royal Business Fair, while ATLP’s first inter-school football tournament kicked off at Stockland Green School’s new all-weather pitch.

More than 200 children, parents and staff attended the third ATLP student awards ceremony at Sutton’s prestigious New Hall Hotel this month.