European champion Jill, 36, enjoyed a tour of Monkwearmouth Academy where she left as a pupil 20 years ago.
After unveiling her plaque on the wall of the same sports hall in which she honed her football talent she joined pupils in the gym for a game of dodge ball and an impromptu display of her keepy-up skills, before taking part in a question and answer sessions with pupils.
Jill, who won 161 caps for England, said: “I’ve got so many great memories of being at this school, but playing football has to be the biggest.
"This is where I was shaped as a person first foremost and I think that’s the most important thing for life.”
Pupils beamed with delight as Jill visited their classrooms and took time took time to chat with them.
Charlie Whitfield, 14, said: “Last time I saw Jill Scott was when I was watching the final of I’m a Celebrity and so it was quite a shock to see her in our school today.”
Check out the following nine fantastic photographs of the day the legendary lioness returned home.
1. Starstruck
Pupils enjoy a chat with Jill as she recounts what it was like to win the European Championship final in front of 90,000 people at Wembley. Photo: Stu Norton
3. An honour.
Jill said it was "such an honour" and "amazing" to see her plaque. Photo: Stu Norton
4. Still got it
Despite retiring, Jill shows off her football skills with an impromptu keepy-up display. Photo: Stu Norton