There’s no stopping Stockton Riverside College musical theatre student Finley who is off to train in London after securing a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools.

Following a string of leading role performances, the future looks bright for the 17-year-old from Whitby who most recently wowed audiences playing Galileo in the college’s summer performance of We Will Rock You.

Scooping a place to study musical theatre at the prestigious ArtsEd in London, Finley said: “It was a dream come true to get an offer, as it means I was one out of over 200 applicants to be selected.”

His ambition is to ultimately be a lead on the West End stage, but for now he explained: “I am so excited to be moving on to my next steps, though I will always have cherished memories of my time at the college.”

Of choosing to study at Stockton Riverside College after leaving school, the former Eskdale School pupil said: “I chose it because of its impeccable reputation and the fabulous facilities, as well as the welcoming environment.”

For him, he added, it didn’t fail to deliver.

Given the chance to headline on the college stage, Finley has played roles including Kenickie in Grease and, of course, Galileo in We Will Rock You.

He said: “It has built my confidence and so much more.”

At Stockton Riverside College’s annual awards ceremony this summer, Finley was one of three students selected to share an award from the Cecil Yuill Foundation Scholarship.

Finley said: “I felt so privileged to be nominated and given this opportunity.”