Young Leeds actor receives outstanding GCSE results
A talented actor and musician from Leeds has scored a string of top GCSE grades.
Will, a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has starred in national productions including Animal Farm and Why The Whales Came. Currently appearing in the world premiere of brand new musical Sea Change at Birmingham Hippodrome, Will has also made appearances at Leeds Playhouse and played gigs at iconic venue The Wardrobe with his band Off The Rails. He achieved grade 8s and 9s across the board in 10 subjects.
Will started acting aged nine, playing a Munchkin in a production of The Wizard of Oz. After winning a competition, Will worked with legendary director Ed Burnside (Matilda The Musical; The Crown) and has gone on to appear in shows including School of Rock and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Will’s experience and training in music is extensive, and includes the City of Leeds Youth Training Orchestra, the City of Leeds Youth Orchestra and Leeds Youth Jazz Rock Orchestra.
“I love working with others to engage an audience and tell a story,” says Will. “And I love the joy and camaraderie of being on stage and part of an ensemble.” As a student at GSAL, Will has taken full advantage of the opportunities afforded by the school’s new theatre, The Cryer. The purpose-built performance space is named after Barry Cryer (OL53) who attended one of GSAL’s founding schools, Leeds Grammar School (LGS). “Features like state-of-the-art sound and lighting really make me feel like I’m on the West End,” says Will.
At A-level, Will has chosen to study music and drama and theatre studies alongside French and philosophy, ethics and theology. As well as appearing in Sea Change this summer, he is also one of just 14 students selected to take part in a summer school at the Royal Academy for Dramatic Art (RADA). “Beyond that, I’m taking acting classes at Stagebox, gaining experience at Guildhall, (the prestigious school of music and drama), and recording a demo with my band,” he says. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes us!”
Michael Hall, Principal at GSAL, said, “Will is an extraordinary talent but this set of results also demonstrates his hard work and dedication. We congratulate him on his achievements and look forward to seeing him on stage at GSAL again in the near future!”
GSAL’s GCSE Class of 2026 includes a Yorkshire cricketer, a Team GB showjumper, two junior golfers and a Bradford City footballer. Six students had particular cause for celebration after receiving 9s – the highest possible grade – in 10 subjects. 35 students achieved grades 8 and 9 across the board.
Image: Will as the Cowardly Lion in a recent GSAL production of The Wizard of Oz.