Former Love Island contestant Jack Fowler headed back to his old school to speak to students about the link between social media and mental health.

The semi-professional footballer who plays for Harlow Town hosted a Q and A session at Highams Park School in Handsworth Avenue on Wednesday, November 7.

Jack left the villa with Laura Crane in July having joined the hit TV show halfway through.

The idea of visiting his former secondary school entered the 22-year-old’s mind as he was being driven from Casa Amor and passed a group of teenagers enjoying their summer holidays.

“I wanted to come back to the school as soon as I came out of the villa,” said Jack.

“I am not a motivational speaker but I know what I want to do. I remember when I was at school, some things the teacher said went over my head.

“I’m young – I have still got that advantage – and students relate to that.”

His visit included a workshop with media students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 which focused on social media and mental health, two issues which are he believes are “massively important” for the younger generation.

As he sat at the top of the classroom and observed the youngsters wearing his old uniform, he noticed similarities between his former self and some of the male students who were keen to impress the girls in their class and act like “Jack the Lad”.

But the athlete was keen to remind them of the importance of hard work and concentration and said he found the trip highly rewarding.

“I was not the best student and school was not easy for me,” he added.

“My Instagram was popping and people were asking me to come to their schools. I received very, very good feedback.”