A FORMER Ellesmere College student who is set to pursue her dream of a life in music believes it was only made possible by a scholarship at the school.

Amber Coxill, 18, is ‘over the moon’ about going to Cambridge University but says it was only made possible by the generosity of a scholarship at Ellesmere College and the opportunities available to her there.

She is the fourth student to have benefitted from the Mullock Arts Scholarship, but her dream of an Oxbridge place was briefly put on hold, however, after the recent A-level controversy.

“I’m so happy to be going to Cambridge – it’s been my dream for a long time," she said.

"I went down there for a trip when I was in Year 10 and ever since I’ve been desperate to go – I’m over the moon.

“There was a worry over my A -levels but I finally got the correct grades and was accepted into Homerton College – it was a horrible time but I’m glad it all got sorted out.

“The scholarship was amazing. I would not have been able to do it all without funding from David and Robyn Mullock, paying my school fees and instrumental lessons, and I am sure the opportunities I have had at Ellesmere College would not have been available to me anywhere else.”

Amber said the scholarship came about after she was invited to Ellesmere College to play the French Horn at a silent film night.

“I met Tony Coupe, the college’s director of music, and then when he was looking for people for the scholarship a couple of years later he asked me. I did the audition and got offered the scholarship,” she added.

“One of the terms of my scholarship was to be involved in a number of extra-curricular activities like the Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir.

“Just having the opportunity to go to a school like Ellesmere with all they have to offer is wonderful and the scholarship opportunities are really something I would encourage many pupils and families to consider.

“Mr Coupe is such an incredible teacher and conductor, he’s taught me so much - not just in the lessons but also about being a musician and not just studying music.

"I just want to be involved in music, I love it so much and am so happy to do a degree in it - then hopefully take it up as a career.”

David and Robyn Mullock said: “We’re so very proud of Amber and all of the hard work she put into her studies at Ellesmere alongside the extra-curricular activities that she was involved in.

“She made the most of every opportunity presented to her and we are utterly delighted that she has gained a place to read Music at Homerton College, University of Cambridge.”

For more information on Scholarships at Ellesmere College please visit www.ellesmere.com/the-schools/all/admissions/scholarships--bursaries