A SOUTH Lakeland girl’s dream to become a top singer like Beyonce is a step closer after she won a place at a prestigious London stage school.

Isabella Farrer, 11, of Meathop, near Grange-over-Sands, will head to the Sylvia Young Theatre School in September after battling against hundreds of applicants.

The school’s impressive list of former pupils includes stars such as Billie Piper, Denise Van Outen and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton.

Isabella – who has been dancing since she was three – said winning a place was a dream come true.

“I’m over the moon,I still don’t believe it,” she said.

The audition process started last September after Isabella’s dance teacher at Rigney Bank School of Dance suggested she try out for the school.

Isabella got through her initial interview and was invited back three weeks ago to perform a song, jazz dance and two monologues.

She said: “The panel of judges included Sylvia Young herself but it wasn’t frightening, I just really enjoyed myself.”

Vivienne Curtis, Isabella’s mum, said: “We’re really pleased for her, especially since she was offered a place the very next day and it usually takes them a month to decide.

“It’s a great place for her to go because the school also becomes her agent and will help get her parts films, the West End and TV shows.”

Rigorous training in dance, music and theatre will be a part of daily life for Isabella once she starts.

Once she starts school, Monday to Wednesday will be taken up with normal academic lessons and she will be expected to sit GCSEs.

Isabella’s parents have a flat in London – where they work during the week – which will allow her to attend the school as a day pupil and return home to Cumbria at the weekends.

Dance teacher Jayne Mills, founder of Rigney Bank School of Dance, said: “It is absolutely brilliant that local children have this opportunity.

“She’s got loads of personality and bags to offer them.”

Isabella said her dream is to become a singer.

She said: “Beyonce is an amazing singer and dancer and I would love to be just like her. “