Ashfield School student accepted into one of the UK's best performing arts schools

Brock Warren, from Huthwaite, was accepted onto the foundation course at ArtsEd in London after a successful audition, and will now start his journey to becoming a professional performer after Ashfield District Council pledged some financial assistance to support Brock with tuition fees and living costs in London.

Several other year 13 students from Ashfield School’s drama department have also been accepted onto performing courses at prestigious schools around the country, including Bird College and Manchester College.

Bryan Sluman, head of drama at Ashfield School, 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 rather a shortfall for him to find.

Councillor Tom Hollis, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council has therefore pledged some financial assistance.

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 continued added: "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.”