0:00:02 > 0:00:05Many people dream of fame, success and life in the spotlight.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09But few realise it takes years of hard work.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Motivation, commitment. Let's do it!
0:00:11 > 0:00:14We're going behind the scenes of one of the most famous
0:00:14 > 0:00:17- stage schools in Britain. - It's got to be sharp, guys.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20# We'll be in trouble when the kids come out... #
0:00:20 > 0:00:23Where pupils learn to cope with rivalry,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26sacrifice and rejection every day.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29# ..When the kids come out When the kids come out
0:00:29 > 0:00:31# When the kids come out When the kids come out... #
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Russell Brand, Pixie Lott and Leona Lewis all studied here.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41But this series is about the talent of tomorrow.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43This...
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Is the School For Stars.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Coming up...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Max and Jade's upcoming duet threatens to be a disaster.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Max! We need to practise.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Action!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Katie finds out if she's got what it takes to be a movie star...
0:01:05 > 0:01:07It's a long day. To do one scene it's taken four hours.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10..and gifted student Marlee finds out if she's going
0:01:10 > 0:01:13to win the scholarship so she can stay on at the school.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16I wanted to dance and that, and without the funding,
0:01:16 > 0:01:17I won't be able to.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27It's the summer term at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts
0:01:27 > 0:01:32and everyone here seems to be preparing for GCSEs and other exams.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35# I need dollar, dollar Dollar, that's what I need... #
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Just as they would at any other secondary school.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41# I need dollar, dollar... #
0:01:41 > 0:01:43But that's not the only preparation going on.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47In ten weeks' time, the school will have its 100th birthday,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50and to celebrate, they're putting on a massive centenary gala.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Every single one of the 305 students here are desperate to perform at it,
0:01:55 > 0:02:00and auditions for the lead roles have led to some fierce competition.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02# All that glitters ain't gold... #
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Max had to fight his best friend Jordan for the chance
0:02:05 > 0:02:09to sing a lead with his very own girlfriend, Jade.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11OK, I now have to tell you what worries me...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Max struggled to win the part, as Karen,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16the head of performing arts, was worried about the awkwardness
0:02:16 > 0:02:18between the two of them.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20But you two found it hard to make eye contact,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23so that might be helping my decision.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Even Jade had her doubts.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28I'm scared to do it with Max, though,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31cos I find it really awkward but I think it will get better.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34I know it will get better. I just, erm...
0:02:34 > 0:02:35Max!
0:02:35 > 0:02:38With so many others desperate for a leading role,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41Max and Jade need to nail this and prove that they're the right pair
0:02:41 > 0:02:44to sing for the star-studded audience at the gala.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Max?
0:02:46 > 0:02:49And Jade's desperate to use all her spare time practising with Max.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52What are you doing?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54OK, go.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58# I have a feeling It's a feeling I'm concealing
0:02:58 > 0:03:00# I don't know why
0:03:00 > 0:03:07# It's just a mental, incidental sentimental alibi
0:03:07 > 0:03:08# That I... #
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- Max!- You went, you went...
0:03:11 > 0:03:14"incidentil". Is that what it is?
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- Yes!- Oh, OK, erm...
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Come on, then.- Practise!
0:03:18 > 0:03:21Sorry. Just made me laugh! OK, go.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- It's not funny!- It's not funny, no.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Doesn't look like Max is taking this too seriously.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32He can't keep a straight face.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Max! Stop! Stop laughing.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37We need to practise!
0:03:37 > 0:03:40But he has an idea on how to beat the giggles.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44# I have a feeling It's a feeling I'm concealing
0:03:44 > 0:03:46# I don't know why
0:03:46 > 0:03:53# It's just a mental, incidental sentimental alibi.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55# But I... #
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Max has to sing this song to an audience of hundreds,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01but he can't even sing it to his girlfriend
0:04:01 > 0:04:03standing behind a whiteboard.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Can you start singing?
0:04:05 > 0:04:10- Please start. OK, can we do it properly now? Ready?- Yeah.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11- Again.- OK.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15It seems making a connection is a hard thing to practise.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- BOTH:- # But I adore you
0:04:19 > 0:04:21# So strong for you... #
0:04:21 > 0:04:27Karen may've been right. They can't even make eye contact.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30If Max and Jade don't get it together,
0:04:30 > 0:04:34it's going to be very awkward come gala night.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37You know it goes one bit...
0:04:41 > 0:04:46The start of GCSEs means that for Year 11 there are no more lessons
0:04:46 > 0:04:48and they'll only have to come into school for revision
0:04:48 > 0:04:50and for their exams.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55To mark this last official day at school,
0:04:55 > 0:05:00a special leavers' day has been organised, and it's fancy dress.
0:05:00 > 0:05:01Peter Pan!
0:05:02 > 0:05:04We are Mario and Luigi.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07- I'm Tinkerbell. - I am Batgirl today.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Some Year 11 pupils will come back next year to join the senior school.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Others will only come back if they get scholarships
0:05:13 > 0:05:16to pay the fees, and others, like aspiring actress Evie,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18are leaving for good.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21It is the official leavers' day, so...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23I'm really happy...and excited and sad.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25So it's like a mixture of emotions.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Filip, who's dressed as a zombie,
0:05:28 > 0:05:30is also expecting it to be emotional.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33It is our last day in school so it is really sad.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Some of us are going to do A-levels, going to different colleges.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41It is sad. I'm trying not to think about it at the moment, to be honest.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Pupils from Year 7 to Year 10 are waiting in the hall,
0:05:44 > 0:05:48and it's time for Year 11 to take centre stage one last time.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52# L-O V-E
0:05:52 > 0:05:56# Dance to the beat of my drum Dance to the beat of my drum
0:05:56 > 0:05:59# L-O V-E
0:05:59 > 0:06:03# Dance to the beat of my drum Dance to the beat of my dru... #
0:06:03 > 0:06:06With models like Naomi Campbell and Kelly Brook
0:06:06 > 0:06:08graduating from this school in the past,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11who knows which of these students will become a household name.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14But to everyone's surprise, a new star's waiting in the wings.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16# 11
0:06:16 > 0:06:19# 2011... #
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Maths teacher Mr T's written a song dedicated to all those in Year 11.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Well, it's more of a rap.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30There's Fiona and Nicola, and Eliza with an E.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Then there's Rebecca and Ulelya and Shardy, Annie V.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37What about Hoffy and our Lindsey, course there's Leyton and Amar.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41You must not ever forget Craig and Craig, the Filip and Kidar!
0:06:41 > 0:06:45SCREAMING AND CHEERING
0:06:51 > 0:06:54For many, there are mixed feelings.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58This assembly signifies the end of a major part of their school life.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02# It's a little bit funny
0:07:02 > 0:07:05# This feeling inside... #
0:07:05 > 0:07:10This is, in my opinion, one of the best Year 11 leavers' days.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14And with an emotional speech from headmaster Mr Vote.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16You have been a wonderful Year 11 and we really do
0:07:16 > 0:07:19wish you every, every success.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21The tears start flowing.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26# And you can tell everybody This is your song... #
0:07:26 > 0:07:29He knew this day was going to be sad, but just how sad
0:07:29 > 0:07:31has surprised Filip.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34I never thought it would be that emotional. Like starting crying,
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I never did that before and I'm like, wow.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41And for Evie the reality of leaving the school she's been a part of
0:07:41 > 0:07:44for three years is just too much.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46I...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51I really want to come back now but I can't.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I'm going to go do A-levels.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57So I'm leaving.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00So it just feels really final.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05It's, like, all coming to an end, you know?
0:08:05 > 0:08:06Sorry.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11# How wonderful life is Now you're in the world. #
0:08:23 > 0:08:24Hair in my food!
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Max is worried about his gala duet with girlfriend Jade
0:08:28 > 0:08:30and really needs to improve his performance.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33So he's turned to his best friend Jordan for advice.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Why do you think it's weird, me singing with Jade?
0:08:36 > 0:08:39It's probably cos, like, say for example,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42if you were with a stranger you wouldn't really care
0:08:42 > 0:08:44cos you don't really get along with them
0:08:44 > 0:08:48and it'd be easy. But then you're going out with her and it's like...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- Yeah, yeah. That's it.- Awkward.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53It's going to be down to Max now to fix this.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56If he doesn't, the biggest performance he's ever done
0:08:56 > 0:08:58could well be a disaster.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Air high five!
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Everyone at school has ten weeks to practise for the gala performance,
0:09:04 > 0:09:09but for Year 11 right now there's a far more pressing matter.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11GCSEs have arrived.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15Some of us are going to different colleges and we need GCSEs to get in.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Everyone's getting really stressed out at the moment.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Everyone's just hoping for the best.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26This is it. We've been at school all these years.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29It's all come down to these GCSEs.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33As well as the usual GCSE subjects like maths and English,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38pupils here also have to take exams in all the performing arts,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40and first up is GCSE Dance.
0:09:40 > 0:09:46Filip is anxious to practise but this morning has not started well.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50We're trying to work out the group dance for our GCSE dance exam.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It's really stressful cos two people aren't here,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56so we have to get people from the other group to help us out.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Today, Filip is taking the group performance exam,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03where routines are learned beforehand in groups of up to eight
0:10:03 > 0:10:05then performed for the examiner.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07He'll be marked on how he performs in that group.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Filip has been practising for weeks with the same people.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Today, two of them haven't turned up.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17We haven't got a group dance. We have not got a group dance.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19So at the last minute,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22fellows student Lynsey has stepped in.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- You take this corner and I take this corner.- Yeah.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- Then you run.- Run, run, run, twist. - Catch me.- Yeah.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Filip started dancing when he was eight.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35He desperately wants to pass this exam,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38as he knows it will get him one step closer to his dream.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42'My ambition is to become a contemporary dancer.'
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So, holding hands, yeah? No?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47'It's the only thing I think about every day.'
0:10:47 > 0:10:49It's literally crazy.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- I'm going this way. - 'Today has been important to me.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56'I'm hoping to get an A or B, kind of those grades.'
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I want to go to college in the future, University,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02I need to show them I've got a good mark.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06He's facing the biggest exam of his dancing career so far.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08I was going like this... Fiona?
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It's the day of the exam. It should be done before.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14I'm so stressed. Stop talking about it!
0:11:14 > 0:11:17But with two of his group still missing
0:11:17 > 0:11:21and just a few hours until the exam, will Filip pull it off?
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Exams prepare students for careers in the world of showbiz.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31But for some here, their professional careers
0:11:31 > 0:11:33have already started.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Katie had a treat on her birthday when she found out
0:11:38 > 0:11:40she'd been given a leading role in a gritty feature film.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- Happy birthday.- Thank you. - How did the audition go?- Really well.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49The phone call they've just given me to say
0:11:49 > 0:11:51that they want to offer you it. Yay!
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- Are you serious?- Yeah!
0:11:57 > 0:11:59First positions, please!
0:11:59 > 0:12:03It's her first week and she's using everything she's learned
0:12:03 > 0:12:05in her very first role in the movies.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Leave the space behind him.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10Today's going well. It's a long day.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13To do one scene it's taken like four hours,
0:12:13 > 0:12:14but it's going well.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Katie's been at this school for three years.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20When she joined, her dream was to be a singer.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'I was like, tunnel vision, singer,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26'go to every lesson, solo coach and everything.'
0:12:26 > 0:12:31But starting acting classes, Katie's teacher spotted her natural flair.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35Bruv! I'm trying to help you, man!
0:12:35 > 0:12:38'I love how you can be different people'
0:12:38 > 0:12:41and play different parts and feel different emotions
0:12:41 > 0:12:45and act someone who's upset when you're happy, know what I mean?
0:12:45 > 0:12:47It's different, it's cool.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48That kid in West Ham?
0:12:48 > 0:12:52That's him, he's going to help me get started out in business.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53And we'll cut there.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57With a break during filming, there's time for exploring.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04This is all sound stuff. That's called a boom, I think.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09These marks on the floor is where we start the scene, where we stand.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10This is my one.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13This is one of the best things I've ever seen.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16When we got here, it was all black.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19And then, when we came back up, it was like this.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22They had an artist do it and they've stuck it on.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25But break time on a film set doesn't last long.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Stand by, we're going for another.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Since Katie's still at school,
0:13:29 > 0:13:34balancing a job with her schoolwork takes real dedication.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37'It's hard, but to do something you love,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39'you've got to push at it, but it pays off in the end.'
0:13:39 > 0:13:44I'm being called to set, so I'll speak to you later. Have fun.
0:13:52 > 0:13:57At school, Filip's GCSE dance exam is minutes away.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Only one of the missing classmates has shown up to join the routine.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05So you'll partner up with me? That's perfect, then.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08The second missing dancer will have to take their exam
0:14:08 > 0:14:10in another group later.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12It means Filip has a partner
0:14:12 > 0:14:15he's never danced with before.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17But you don't know it.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22With the exam rapidly approaching, this is not good news.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28Anybody who isn't Craig or Fil or Libby and Lauren, just leave.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Filip and his group have a last-minute rehearsal.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35This is their last chance to practise before the exam.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Fil, you need to come downstage inside. Just perform.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40Big up focus.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45Fil, you're not lifting your head as you come back over there.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Think about performing now, not about doing it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53But the stress of practising close to this exam
0:14:53 > 0:14:57is beginning to show in Filip's performance.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Get your chin up! Your chin's down, Fil.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Chin up. Chin up! Don't make me come and poke it with a pen. Up!
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Dropping his chin in the exam could lose Filip big marks.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11Fil, keep that chin up.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16Right, Phil, chin up.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Do not let it drop. There's a pen here,
0:15:19 > 0:15:23and it'll go through your chin if you let it drop down.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Just think about that.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Right, let's go.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Big thing, Fil, keep your head up.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Stop worrying about whether you're going wrong.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I feel bad because I'm letting the group down.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41I'm doing something wrong.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44She's not being mean, like, you're rubbish.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48She's saying, put your head up so you can get better marks.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50But practice time has run out.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Your examiner is here, she's ready to go. This is it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:55CHEERING
0:15:55 > 0:15:59This is what you've been working for all of this year, OK?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Good luck, guys.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Filip's dream is to become a contemporary dancer.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09All his years of practice and rehearsal
0:16:09 > 0:16:12have come down to this one moment.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18He has just one chance to perform...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22and remember to keep his chin up!
0:16:22 > 0:16:23Good luck.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Performing for an examiner they've never met,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38students are marked on presentation,
0:16:38 > 0:16:43technical ability and performance skills.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49They won't be told if they've passed this GCSE for another two months,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53but Filip knows right now if he's danced well or not.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I'm actually really happy.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02In rehearsals we were like, yeah, whatever but it went really, well.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I'm really proud and I'm happy.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08I was like in the zone, feeling it, magical.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11But, did Filip keep his chin up?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I did keep my chin up, yeah.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16He has to wait for confirmation,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19but Filip's confident he's done all right.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24# I just wanna make you sweat... #
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Exams aren't only thing students have to deal with.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31With just 10 weeks before the school's end of term gala,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33every student is rehearsing hard.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38# I just wanna make you sweat
0:17:40 > 0:17:42# I wanna make you sweat
0:17:43 > 0:17:45# I just wanna make you sweat...#
0:17:45 > 0:17:48One of the toughest routines
0:17:48 > 0:17:51will be the opening aerial acrobatics.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54Six pupils will perform complex dance moves
0:17:54 > 0:17:57suspended high above the stage in metal hoops.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Potentially very dangerous,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03this routine can only be done under strict supervision.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08These girls have trained for eight months to get to this standard.
0:18:08 > 0:18:1217-year-old Marni from Staffordshire is one of the youngest.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17Bend the leg. Again, Marni.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20This is the opening number for the gala show.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Marni came here a year ago, joining her sister, Mia.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28Like her sister, Marni dreams of being a West End star.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I've always been ambitious, since I was really young.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35I think I just want to make it and be on the West End.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38The end of term gala is a fantastic opportunity
0:18:38 > 0:18:41for Marni to get spotted by casting agents.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45There'll be a lot of agents there, a lot of important people,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47so nerves will kick in, definitely.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50With so many important people there,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53the last thing Marni wants to do is fall.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Don't let go because it might swing and hit you.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02I do feel the pressure sometimes,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05when you're not picking up the choreography...
0:19:05 > 0:19:07The spin isn't fast enough.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11or you're not strong enough to hold on or pull yourself up.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13That's when you think, "Am I good enough?"
0:19:13 > 0:19:16The practice that you did, you've got to put more in.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19I get bubbles of skin, like blisters, all across here.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21You can just tell it's going to rip.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24But the pressure of getting it right for the gala,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26is not all that's on Marni's mind.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Her time at the school is coming to an end,
0:19:28 > 0:19:33but she wants to come back next year and do a diploma course along with her older sister.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36But this would mean her parents paying two sets of fees.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39When there's two of you, it's hard to say,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41"You can go and you can't."
0:19:41 > 0:19:44That's the problem mum has. She's got to fund us both.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Like many of the students here, Marni's applied for a scholarship
0:19:48 > 0:19:49to pay all the fees.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51I want to dance, sing and act.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54I think that's what I was born to do so without the funding,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57I won't be able to, so it's vital.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Scholarships are only given to the most gifted students.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04If Marni doesn't get it, she thinks her and her sister's future at the school
0:20:04 > 0:20:06will be in serious jeopardy.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10It's hard to go, "You can have the dream and you can't."
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Lots of students apply for scholarships
0:20:13 > 0:20:17but only a few are given them and Filip has also applied for one.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21I wouldn't like to leave just because I can't afford it.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26If I don't get any scholarship, it's just going to like break me totally.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29All students will be told this week if they have funding.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32But will it be good news for Filip and Marni?
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Whether singing, dancing, acting or academically,
0:20:40 > 0:20:44all over the school, pupils are preparing for their exams.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48A few weeks ago, a handful of students took their very first singing exam.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Good morning everybody.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55And in this morning's assembly, headmaster, Mr Vote,
0:20:55 > 0:20:56has their results.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I've got to tell you, I'm really, really chuffed.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01You've done extremely well. They were demanding.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Year nine's Reece, has a reputation for dancing
0:21:04 > 0:21:08so he's not expecting to do as well in his singing.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13I'm quite nervous because I don't really count myself as a good singer.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15I'm an OK singer but I'm not one of the best.
0:21:15 > 0:21:20Hopefully, fingers crossed, I'll do well.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23As Mr Vote hands out the certificates,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Reece isn't the only one who's nervous.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Year 11, Fiona, is also feeling anxious.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30It's my first exam I've ever done.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34The exam was really daunting. You had to do four different songs.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Five minutes beforehand, I sprained my ankle,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42so I was doing this exam with an ankle the size of a golf ball.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Reece.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Reece has his result, but Fiona is still waiting.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58Right, Edward, Fiona and Eliza, please stand up.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06Because, you have distinctions and grade A.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Congratulations, well done.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14Fiona's achieved the highest mark possible - a distinction.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Mr Vote was wandering around the studio with his two distinctions.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21I had no clue it would have be me because I was so nervous.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26When he called out my name, I just felt over the moon.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29You got eight D?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32It is such a good step towards my GCSEs.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35Now I'm in a positive mind for the rest of my exams.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Hopefully, all my GCSE results will follow.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40And it's not just Fiona celebrating.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44I just found out I got a distinction so I'm really, really happy.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47I was expecting it to be maybe a pass
0:22:47 > 0:22:50because I wasn't really confident.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53When I saw it, I was really, really happy.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58And there's one person Reece knows will be just as excited as him.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Hi Mum, it's me.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05I just found out about my singing exam.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08I got a distinction.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12A good exam result always cracks a smile and Reece is Beaming.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Yeah, I'm really happy, thank you.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Marni and Filip are desperately waiting to see
0:23:24 > 0:23:28if they have scholarships so they can afford to come back to school next year.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33If I don't get any scholarship, it's just going to break me, totally.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Without the funding, I won't be able to, so it's vital.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39All over school, students are finding out
0:23:39 > 0:23:42if they've got their scholarships.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Well done.- Thank you. - Well done to you.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48But for Filip, it's not good news.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53He may have been pleased with his performance in his GCSE dance exam,
0:23:53 > 0:23:56but Filip's shocked to hear he hasn't been given funding for his next year.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00I'm worried cos I don't know what's going to happen next.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I don't know if I can carry on.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I don't know what to do.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I was really crushed a bit.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I left the building and sat outside for two hours.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14I was like, "This is it."
0:24:14 > 0:24:17I was counting on getting at least something.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20But, I do understand it, obviously.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23There's other people that deserved it more than I did.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24Filip's not giving up.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27He's determined to finish the term, perform at the gala
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and carry on chasing his dream.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I'm not going to let this stop me,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34because dancing is my life and my dream.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I'm not going to let that go at all at the moment.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Marni hasn't heard yet about her scholarship
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and it's making her anxious.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Everyone is getting their letters about funding
0:24:46 > 0:24:49and it's really frustrating because I want to find out whether I can carry on.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54Students are told by a letter through the post, but Marni hasn't had hers.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Whether it's a yes or no,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00the school secretary has copies of all the letters sent to students
0:25:00 > 0:25:03so Marni's on her way to the office to find out.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08I'm a bit nervous because you never know what's going to happen, but I'm excited to find out.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Hello.- How you doing?- Fine.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Sue, have you got any information on the letters?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17If Marni's been given a scholarship, both she and her sister
0:25:17 > 0:25:23will be able to carry on training till graduation from senior school.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34Have I got one?
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Yes, you've got a Dance and Drama Award.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- Happy?- Yes, really happy. Thank you.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43She's done it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:49- Marni's got her scholarship. - I'm just so excited and relieved and proud and happy and glad I did it.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Marni's been given a Dance and Drama Award,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56which guarantees her school fees for the next two years.
0:25:56 > 0:26:03And of course, there's one person she has to tell first - her sister.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04I found you.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08I've got something to tell you.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10It's good news. I got an award!
0:26:12 > 0:26:13That's so good.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I'm so proud of you.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- Are you happy? - Yes, really happy.
0:26:22 > 0:26:28It just means that I can continue on my training now I've got help.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I can't describe it.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I love you.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44Life at this school is full of tests,
0:26:44 > 0:26:45but not just exams.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50There's tests of friendship...
0:26:50 > 0:26:52courage...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55talent and determination.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58A test doesn't have to be a bad thing,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01but a chance to prove how amazing you are.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Next time on School for Stars,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10blood, sweat and tears.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12You're either a fighter or you're not.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15As practice gets too much for Marni.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18If you give up on those hoops, you can't be in it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22And Leighton, one of the school's best dancers gets pushed to the limit.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25You shouldn't be asking this, you should be doing it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29That's one of the hardest rehearsals that I've ever done here.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30Start it again.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35It's all life at the School for Stars.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:27:38 > 0:27:41E-mail: subtitling@bbc.co.uk