A student preparing for a new journey at a prestigious theatre arts school jumped for joy after achieving stellar A-level results.

Ben Moon achieved three A*s and is now off to study musical theatre at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Ben danced throughout his entire school life, taking lead roles in every major performance including Les Misérables school edition.

He got a perfect score in his dance GCSE, achieved his Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate ballet exam, and was a brilliant mentor to younger boys dancing at Brighton College.

Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts is the most highly respected institution for musical theatre training in the country.

When Ben was auditioning for Mountview, each of the selectors have a ‘golden buzzer’ to put applicants straight through to being offered a place, instead of a call-back.

Ben got the golden buzzer from all five selectors and was offered a place immediately.

Ben’s mother, Dr Moon, said: “Ben epitomises Brighton College. The school has allowed him to be himself, flourish and be what he wants to be.”

Over 100 boys dance at the college, taking classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, tap and jazz. These are taught in 100 classes a week led by specialist dance teachers. Within a week of arriving at Brighton College, one teenage boy had persuaded every other boy in his tutor group to take up dance too. A special dance taster day for Year 9 boys at the start of the current academic year resulted in over 20 signing up for lessons. The majority of boys have never danced before they come to Brighton College.

Headmaster Richard Cairns spoke said: “I am so proud of Ben - his focus and dedication to our dance and drama departments throughout his time at school has been wonderful.

“I am also proud of all our sixth form leavers – as one of the most diverse year groups we have ever had – from those aiming to become professional sportsmen and sportswomen in the footsteps of Marcus Smith (who represents England in the World Cup next month) to artists, engineers, dancers, musicians, historians and computer scientists. I am delighted for all of them. They have had a tough five years through the pandemic and deserve every congratulation.”