Ballet dancer Juliette Sumpter has managed to win a place at university - because she has done so well in her dancing exams.

 

Juliette wants to study English language and literature at York St John's University, but points from her Grade Eight Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam, which she passed with distinction, have been taken into consideration as part of requirements needed to get in.

 

She has completed some modules as part of her A levels in English, psychology and history at Barnsley College, which means she has already secured a place without having to sit her final exams in the summer.

 

Juliette, 17, of Birchfield Crescent, Dodworth, said: "I'm extremely pleased, and not as worried because I already have my place. But I will still sit the last lot of exams."

 

She trains at the Kim Frost School of Dance, the only one in Barnsley to offer higher level exams which qualify as UCAS points for entry to university or higher education institutions.

 

She trained up to five hours a week for her ballet exam and had to perform certain techniques and a set piece.

 

But despite her dancing prowess, her aim is to become a fashion journalist, although she wants to continue dancing alongside her studying.

 

The school's principal Kim Frost said: "Juliette's achievements are outstanding. It's quite an achievement to get a grade eight which is the last exam before you take a teacher's exam.

 

"She's been in school 14 years so I've known her since she was three and it's nice to see someone progress and achieve like that."