On Monday 3rd December 2008, the college welcomed double olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. Kelly was accompanied by Ryan Dinham and Leon Baptiste who are potential Beijing Olympic competitors and members of Team B&Q which Kelly mentors.
In a busy morning, Dame Kelly took three assemblies which were very well received by students and staff. Her natural ease with the students was apparent and student comments included "She's not stuck up, is she!".
Later, the three athletes undertook some coaching with students and ended the morning by officially opening the new sports and sixth form facilities at Ernest Bevin College.
Many guests attended the event including the Mayor, Councillor Stuart Thom and Andy Gomershall, the England Rugby World Cup scrum half.
Staff were delighted to welcome back Joe Wilson, who was Head of Physical Education at the college for many years.