A RAYLEIGH boy has secured a place at the prestigious Royal Ballet School.

Logan James, 11, started ballet when he was seven years old and has gone from strength to strength.

Logan, a pupil at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Primary School, in Rayleigh, was over the moon to get one of just 12 places offered out of 790 applicants.

Logan’s parents, Bruce and Rebecca, were equally thrilled.

Mum Rebecca, said: “We are super super proud of Logan, he’s worked so hard.

“He is so chuffed, he cried when he found out.

“Logan has dreamed of getting one of these sought after places and is absolutely thrilled to be starting in September.”

Logan will board at White Lodge, in Richmond Park, in London, where he will study ballet alongside academic subjects.

He will have chances to perform at the Royal Opera House too.

Logan, who trains with Joanne Bond at The Joanne Bond School of Classical Ballet, in Rayleigh, was a junior associate of The Royal Ballet School, prior to getting his Year Seven place. This saw Logan travel to London every Saturday for lessons at the top ballet school.

Dedicated Logan, also travels to Hertfordshire every Sunday at Tring Park School of Ballet.

Rebecca, said: “I can’t thank Joanne enough. Logan couldn’t have done it without her.

“Logan’s little sister did ballet first and Logan would come with me and sit on the iPad.

“He was offered to join in but would always say ‘no, no, no’.

“Then one day he tried it and just fell in love with it.

“After his first class his teacher said he had potential.

“Logan’s school have also been so supportive – some schools aren’t so supportive.

“They have been fantastic at promoting boys’ ballet and allowing him time off for shows.

“I can’t praise them enough.”

Logan has already has some incredible achievements under his belt, from appearing The Nutcracker at The Royal Albert Hall to performing in “Giselle” at The Sadlers Wells Theatre, in London.

Logan will be attending spring and summer schools at White Lodge this year after being awarded a “direct entry” award last summer by the artistic director.