ISLE of Wight dance teacher, Joel Morris, is preparing to say goodbye and good luck to five students awarded places at top mainland dance schools.

All five have successfully auditioned and have been awarded places – some with scholarships – for excellence in ballet.

Erin Plimley, 16, has been offered a place with a scholarship at London Studio Centre, in North Finchley, while Joel Barlow, 11, has been offered a place with a scholarship at Elmhurst Ballet School, which is associated with Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Ebb Phillips, 18, meanwhile, has been offered a place at Italia Conti, based in Woking, Jasmin Willets, 16, has been offered a place at Tring Park School for Performing Arts, and Chloe Neale, 16, is heading to specialist performing arts school, The Hammond, based in Chester.

Isle of Wight County Press: Joel Barlow, 11, is heading to Elmhurst Ballet School, while Jasmin Willets, 16, is heading to Tring Park.Joel Barlow, 11, is heading to Elmhurst Ballet School, while Jasmin Willets, 16, is heading to Tring Park. (Image: Joel Morris)

Shanklin's Joel Morris Dance Academy, itself, has also been accredited by The Royal Ballet School – as one of only a handful of schools globally.

“It is amazing that five Island dancers will be leaving my academy to pursue a career in dance at top schools,” said Joel.

“I will miss teaching them terribly, but I’m very excited to see where they all end up!”