Former St John’s pupil Robert Bridger is stepping towards a bright future as a dancer after completing his first term at the prestigious Central School of Ballet in London.

The 19-year-old has been dancing since he was 13 and was one of only 39 students accepted onto his three-year degree course, a BA (Hons) in Professional Dance and Performance, out of 350 applicants.

Mr Bridger, whose family live in Great Bedwyn, said: “I’ve now completed the first term at Central School of Ballet and 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.

“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.”

Mr Bridger’s interest in dance blossomed when he attended classes at Swindon Dance, The Youth Dance Academy and then the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, both in London.

Before focusing on a career in dance, he was a student at St John’s School in Marlborough, where he gained 11 GCSEs.

During his training he will focus on classical ballet and gain insight into contemporary dance, choreography, Spanish dance, pilates, jazz dance, drama, Dalcroze eurhythmics, singing and contextual studies.

In his final year he will join the school’s touring company Ballet Central, giving him professional performance experience.

Sara Matthews, director of CSB, said: “We are the only vocational ballet school able to offer our students an Honours Degree and this level of touring experience.

“Ballet Central continues to be a springboard for hundreds of dancers into the top international companies.”

The school is one of Europe’s premier schools for dance training.