A BECKENHAM schoolboy has won a place at one of Europe’s premier schools for dance.

Seventeen-year-old James Parratt has been accepted onto the exclusive degree course at Central School of Ballet.

More than 400 aspiring dancers applied this year - with auditions in London, Glasgow, Leeds, Italy and Japan - but James was one of only 39 to be offered the chance for professional training.

A former Harris Academy, James picked up 10 GCSEs and studied dance at the Penny Taylor School of Dancing in Lewisham.

He said: “I’m enjoying settling into my first term at Central School of Ballet - it's been hard work but fun too.

“We train at least six hours a day during the week and take classes on Saturday morning as well. 

“You have to be dedicated to make it to the top of this profession but it's my dream to be a dancer at one of the leading ballet companies when I graduate.

“The training is very challenging, similar to the training of the best athletes, but we are all motivated by the rewards of performing."

Go to centralschoolofballet.co.uk for more information.