James Kerley at the piano

The talented 16-year-old will spend his Saturdays studying singing, piano and cello at the college opposite the Royal Albert Hall, while continuing with his A level studies at the independent school in Harrow. He has already sung a number of times at the Royal Albert Hall.

The John Lyon School’s Headmaster, Kevin Riley, said: “This really is quite an honour: the Royal College only awards scholarships to a mere handful of the very best musicians, so we are all delighted at James’s achievement.”

Year 12 pupil James, of Harrow Weald, is believed to be only the second boy from his School ever to win the scholarship, called a Junior Exhibition.

“I went on a taster day at the Royal College and three different singing teachers came to watch my audition, which was a bit nerve-wracking!” said James, who sings as a tenor. “Eventually, I would like to be a professional opera singer. It’s the most technically complicated form of singing and I enjoy that challenge. Successful opera singers also become famous and I want to be famous – who wouldn’t?”

James, who has a Music Scholarship at The John Lyon School, is a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and recently won the School’s woodwind prize. He is the oldest of five children from a musical family. One younger brother, Nicholas, is in Year 8 and is both a Music Scholar and a Sports Scholar at The John Lyon School.

“I do 14 or 15 hours’ practice a week outside of School and I have to be at the Royal College of Music from about 7am until 5pm on Saturdays, so I take my music pretty seriously,” said James. But he added: “I like to have a life too, so I’m making sure I keep my social life going!” said James. His hobbies include playing football and he is a keen Manchester United supporter.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of The John Lyon School