A student from Huthwaite has been offered a place at one of the UK’s top performing arts schools.

Aspiring actor Brock Warren, from Ashfield School, Kirkby, has successfully auditioned for a place on the foundation course at ArtsEd in London – where the likes of Will Young, Darcey Bussell and Julie Andrews, among others, studied.

Brock’s journey from Huthwaite to London has been described as a ‘real life Billy Elliot story.’

He is just one of Ashfield School’s Drama Department’s successful students. Several of their current year 13 students have secured places at many of the country’s top performance institutes for next year.

Bryan Sluman, head of drama at the school, has spoken of his pride at the success of all Ashfield students.

He said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students. This has been another hugely positive year for our department. I currently teach Brock for both A-Level drama and theatre and performing arts. He is an incredibly hard working and diligent student, who deserves this opportunity.

“He has played a number of leading roles in our school productions and produced some exceptional exam work. Brock is a very talented and versatile performer, who has been commended by members of the local community, by examiners, by teaching staff and by his peers.

“He intends to pursue a career within the performing arts industry and has, therefore, auditioned at various prestigious London institutions, pitting his skills against hundreds of other hopeful applicants. This offer of a place, is yet another endorsement of Brock’s talent and potential as a professional performer.”

Although he has been offered a place, Brock is currently faced with the financial burden of £9,000 course fees each year and the associated living costs of London. Whilst he will be able to apply for some loans through student finance to cover a proportion of the course fee, there will still be a shortfall for him to find.

Coun Tom Hollis, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council, has pledged some financial assistance. Brock lives in his county council division of Sutton West.

Tom said: “The Drama Department at Ashfield School has an amazing reputation and these latest success stories is great news for our area. I recently met with Brock and his mum Jennifer – to be accepted into one of the UK’s top drama schools is a tremendous achievement. ArtsEd’s Alumni reads like a who’s who of the arts world.

“The fact that a young person from a working class area has been accepted into this internationally renowned school is brilliant. It’s a real-life Billy Elliot-style story. We are pleased as councillors to be backing Brock’s journey.”

Bryan Sluman added: “At Ashfield School, we are committed to equipping our young people with the skills and support necessary to achieve what they are capable of. We want to make sure young people who are talented get the right support to make it within this competitive industry.

“We hope that Brock’s success sends a message to other young people in Ashfield that with hard work, determination, talent and high aspirations, then anything is possible. We’re very grateful for some financial support from the Council and hope that they will continue to support other young people in Brock’s position in the future.”