'˜Exceptional' Joshua is student of the year

Tutors at the Glasgow-based UK Theatre School (UKTS) named 16-year-old Joshua McKendry as the recipient of one of the school’s annual Student of the Year awards for his “exceptional” work over the past 12 months.

Joshua received his plaque and certificate at the UKTS’s annual prize-giving ceremony, recognising their Student of the Year in various age groups.

His award category was Senior Acting and Performance and Joshua, who has been a student at the UKTS for six years, said: “Winning this is absolutely incredible. I couldn’t believe it!”

As well as excelling in his UKTS course work in the last year, Joshua also secured a part in a short film entitled Event Horizon.

UKTS principal Lizanne Lambie Thomson described Joshua as an “exceptionally focused student” and added: “Joshua is always a pleasure to work with at UKTS.

“He applies himself to his work here and has shown he possesses strong acting abilities and flair.

“He’s 100 per cent focused and clearly enjoys any of the work that comes his way.

“Our school focuses on helping develop the young students who show an interest in the performing arts. Our team of experienced tutors help students like Joshua to focus on how best to fulfil their ambitions of becoming immersed in the performing arts world.

“The decision to give Joshua this award was unanimous as he’s really worked so hard over the past 12 months.”

The UKTS, which is based in Glasgow’s West Regent Street and has around 700 students on its roll offers performing arts courses for students aged between four and 19. The school has charity status, which allows it to offer support for any underprivileged youngsters who show potential talent.