Fundraising pupils were treated to a visit by Olympic hopeful Andrew Osagie as they took part in events for Sports Relief.
The students at Passmores Academy were given sporting advice from the runner as they took part in sports-themed activities to raise money for the national appeal.
Events included a non-school uniform day, a raffle, a pupils versus teachers football match and a sponsored Dance Off.
They were among many children across the town taking part in activities for Sport Relief in March.
Children at Latton Green Primary were sponsored to complete 10 laps of their playground. They also held a sports-themed non-uniform day and raised over £350 for the charity.
School spokeswoman Mel Culverhouse said: “It was a really successful day and we are thrilled at how much we raised considering we are quite a small school.”
Pupils at Churchgate Street Primary paid £1 each to take part in a challenge to run around the school field as many times as they could.
Headteacher Jonathan Tye said: “They were all very keen to do their bit for Sport Relief and I am very proud of them. I am also very proud of our midday assistants for organising the event.”
A group of 20 fundraisers also collected cash for charity by sleeping in a churchyard for the night.
Members of St Mary at Latton Church and pupils from Chigwell School raised over £1,000 for the Wych Elm-based homeless charity Streets2Homes when they slept rough.
Charity manager Kerrie Eastman said: “I think everyone who took part is definitely more aware of the issues surrounding homelessness and found the experience extremely humbling.”