A HAMPSHIRE schoolboy looks set to become a real-life Billy Elliot after gaining a place at a world-famous ballet school.

Colm Robertson, 11, of Hythe, has been accepted by the prestigious Royal Ballet School (RBS), which is based at White Lodge, Richmond Park.

Former students include two of ballet's greats - Margot Fonteyn and Darcey Bussell.

Colm successfully auditioned to become a Royal Ballet Junior Associate (JA) and for the past three years has worked hard with his JA teacher towards auditions for White Lodge.

Daily Echo: Colm Robertson, 11, of Hythe, has gained a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.Colm Robertson, 11, of Hythe, has gained a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

His mother, Neelam Robertson, said: "The competition is fierce as the Royal Ballet School is considered by many as the best in the world.

"Approximately 1,200 young ballet dancers apply each year for the 30 places in the school’s Year 7 intake.

"Admission is based purely on talent and potential, regardless of academic ability or personal circumstances.

"Fees and costs for White Lodge are approximately £40,000 a year but the school prides itself on being able to offer Music Dance Scheme (MDS) awards to its pupils.

"Colm will be starting at the school in September.

"He feels the placement is the next big step towards his dream of becoming a professional dancer. He will have annual assessments and will have to reapply in Year 9 for a placement in Year 10 and Year 11.

Daily Echo: Colm Robertson, 11, has landed a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.Colm Robertson, 11, has landed a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

"Students come from across the UK and all over the world and are therefore required to live in boarding houses.

"Younger pupils live within the grounds of White Lodge and Upper School students live either in Covent Garden or at the new boarding house in Pimlico.

"A minimum of two dance lessons a day as well as plus full-time education and prep in the evenings will keep Colm busy but he can come home on the weekends.

"He will miss family and friends but he's a determined young man who knows what he wants in life."

Colm added: "It will be hard to be away from my parents and I know they will struggle with costs.

"But I hope that I'll make them proud and I can't thank them enough for everything."

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