A STOURPORT student, who is also the under 18 European Kickboxing champion, is following his acting dreams after being accepted into university.

Jack Baylis achieved three distinction* grades and one distinction in his music performance and performing arts BTEC at Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre.

He will start an acting course at Northampton University next month, which tops off a great year for the 18-year-old.

Jack said: “I have Kickboxing training 7 days-a -week but I had to put everything into my school work this year so I could achieve what I did.

“Juggling between Kickboxing and studying was challenging, but my teachers were great and all helped me massively.

“To balance the two I had to plan my time well, as I put just as much effort and determination as I possibly can into everything I do.

“I must say before I got my results I was expecting to be awarded what I was as I knew I had put in the effort.

“Even so, when I opened the results I was really pleased – so happy – I was made up as they were exactly what I needed.”

Jack first caught the acting bug when he auditioned for a school play when he was 11.

“To be honest, when I started school I never knew what I wanted to do,” he said.

“In year 7 I auditioned for a school performance of Oliver, but I never thought acting would be something for me.

“I got a role in the show and really, really enjoyed it. I felt a good buzz from performing and it’s been a dream of mine ever since.”

Other students celebrating today in Stourport included Molly Bradbury and James Evans, who both achieved three A grades and an A* to ensure their places to study medicine at Plymouth and Leicester respectively.

The average score per pupil at Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre has greatly improved on last year, which has been described as a “significant achievement”.

More than half of the students achieved A* to B grades or equivalent, with more than 30 per cent achieving the highest grades of A and A*.

Associate headteacher, David Knott, said: “Once again I am extremely proud that our students have secured some amazing results to enable them to more on to the next phase of their lives, either at university or in employment.

“I wish all leavers a successful future and look forward to celebrating with them at our outstanding achievement awards evening in September.”