Someone who always inspired others and was always determined to be the best she could be with a smile on her face no matter what.

These are just some the words the staff at Charters School in Ascot have used to describe former pupil and eight-time Paralympic gold-medallist Sophie Christiansen.

On Sunday, December 18 she collected 37,284 votes to place fifth in Sports Personality of The Year, the highest ranked female and Paralympic athlete.

It saw her gain more votes than cyclists Laura Kenny and Dame Sarah Storey, hockey star Kate Richardson-Walsh, boxer Nicola Adams and sprinter Kadeena Cox.

And as the 29-year-old contemplates where her future lies after a glittering career thus far, her achievements are all the proud members of staff at the school can talk about.

“She was so clever,” remembers Jaz Ranger, who was Sophie’s teaching assistant in years 11, 12 and 13 at the Sunningdale school.

“I remember that Sophie always wanted to be independent, I would offer to carry her heavy school bag between lessons, but she always wanted to carry it herself.

“She used to have a giggle when I could not get the simplest things and would feel good explaining things to me because she said it helped her revise.”

Jaz added: “But my best day with her was when she drove her new car to school and asked me to go for a drive round the block.

“She was so proud, happy and confident. That is when I realised how far she had come.”

Despite initially being shy of public speaking, Sophie returned to the school in 2012 after the Olympics to talk at their annual sport’s presentation evening.

“Her speech to a packed hall of students and parents was one her first public speaking events,” said Kirstie Hartwell, curriculum leader of the physical education faculty.

“In the last four years she has continued to speak in public and delights audiences young and old with her inspirational achievements.”

She continued: “I am so proud of the way she has overcome difficulties to reach the very high standards she sets herself.

“She was always determined to be the best she could be, I remember marking her eight out of ten for boccia in year 10 and her being absolutely furious.

“She wanted to know how she could improve, and she did.”

Sophie took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to reflect on an amazing weekend.

“Fifth and top female athlete and top Paralympian,” she wrote. “I have never been more delighted with a placing lower than first. Thank you to everyone for their support and votes.”

Co-headteacher at Charters, Martyn Parker, said not only is Sophie an outstanding athlete, but she enriched the school with her positive approach to everything she did.

“Her sporting achievements are superb and we are very proud of her,” he said. “But most of all her big personality is what we remember.”