A young student from Sudbury has pirouetted his way into one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies.

Despite having only been a dancer for around four years, 17-year-old Joey Hogger who studies at Ormiston Sudbury Academy, has won a place at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London.

His talent was spotted after he started studying for a GCSE in dance in Year 10, but it was not until he was in his final GCSE year that he decided professional dancing was the career for him.

Now after taking a BTEC Extended Dance Diploma and attending the Centre for Advanced Training in Dance at DanceEast in Ipswich, Joey is to set to start a three-year degree course with the renowned Rambert School in London this September.

The teenager said he said “overwhelmed” to get a place and still couldn’t quite believe it.

He added: “Ormiston Sudbury Academy has really helped my dance education by opening up opportunities, broadening my understanding of dance and developing performance skills in different styles.

“I am really interested in contemporary dance but the Rambert school will give me experience in both contemporary dance and ballet.

“I am grateful to everyone who has supported me to this point and really can’t wait now to get started.”

Joey’s dance teacher at Ormiston Sudbury Academy, Luke Ashworth, said: “Along with many of our dancers, Joey is extremely talented and his achievement reflects his hard work and dedication.

“We are thrilled for him and look forward to seeing many of our other Year 13 students gaining places this year.”

Meanwhile Ormiston Academies Trust chief executive Professor Toby Salt said: “At Ormiston, we are committed to ensuring that every single one of our students gains not only a first-class education in the key academic subjects but also has opportunities in dance, drama and the arts.

“We have a reputation as a trust that makes a hugely positive difference to our students, and Joey’s achievement underlines that.”