A PUPIL at Pixie Lott’s performing arts school has won a scholarship to the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Annabelle Holland, 13, joined Pixie Lott’s Italia Conti Associate School when it opened in January but will now start full time as a Year Nine at the world-famous London academy.

She follows in the footsteps of Pixie herself, who also went to an associate school on a Saturday until getting a scholarship for the academy.

Annabelle, of Post Meadows, in Great Burstead, Billericay, said: “It’s an amazing opportunity, I was really happy when the letter came.”

Annabelle’s mum, Patricia Holland, 44, said: “We are so proud of her and still can’t believe it, it’s very well deserved." 

In celebration of her pupil’s success, the singer visited her school, which is based in The Boswells School in Burnham Road, Chelmsford, on Saturday to give her a certificate of congratulations.

Pixie, who runs the school with her fellow principals - her mum Beverley and sister Charlie-Ann, pictured inset with Pixie, - said: “My sister Charlie-Ann, my mum Beverley and I are so proud of Annabelle being one of our pupils.

“I saw Annabelle's audition piece of acting, singing and dance before she went to the audition and I was blown away.

“It's so lovely that she is following in my footsteps of going to the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts full time on a scholarship she certainly is talented and will go far.”

Principal Beverley Lott added: “We are all very proud, Annabelle is brilliant, it’s amazing as there are kids auditioning from around the UK.”

Annabelle said: “It was so lovely to meet her here at her school, she is really friendly.

“Meeting Pixie is amazing, the teachers are fantastic and the lessons are great.”

Pixie Lott's Italia Conti Associate School will be holding a summer school in August, 17 - 21, giving young people the opportunity to learn about musical theatre, acting, dancing and singing before an evening performance at the end of the week. 

For more details email admin@pixielottitaliaconti.co.uk or call, 01245 381399 or visit www.pixielottitaliaconti.co.uk