Bradford youngsters are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson at performing arts workshops in the city.

PopSkool is based in Warrington but has branches around the country, including one at Dixons Academy in Bradford. Some of the youngsters are providing pre-match cheerleading entertainment for Bradford Bulls and have also been picked to appear in a reality TV show about Popskool.

“We teach singing and dancing, focusing on pop vocal coaching and street and breakdancing,” says Popskool director Carol Mounsey who runs the classes with Spike Dawburn from boyband 911.

“With one of our former (Warrington) students, George Sampson, winning Britain’s Got Talent, and us being filmed for a new TV show, it’s a busy time for us.

“We also had success with Marquelle Ward who reached the winning group in BBC1’s Dance X last year and has now landed a lead role in a TV ‘High School Musical’ style drama, and James Edon from Eaton Road, who reached the X Factor live shows a couple of years ago. James holds masterclasses for us.

“We’re keen to get more talent coming through from Bradford PopSkool, to go on to dance in our official street dance cheering team and perform at Bradford Bulls matches. We hope to discover future stars like the ones we’re currently producing!”

George, 14, won ITV’s hit talent show with a breakdancing routine to Singin’ In The Rain. He originally auditioned last year but the judges thought he wasn’t ready for the competition. Carol says his success has inspired students.

“They see that dreams can come true if they work hard and persevere,” she says. “We’re really proud of George but we weren’t surprised when he did so well. He’s a big talent.”

“Two talented performers from Bradford PopSkool – Lizzie Dunne, 16, and Abigail England, 15, have been picked to be part of our dance team filmed for the TV show, as well as coming first in the over 12s PopSkool North West street dance competition which more than 100 dancers entered.”

  • Bradford PopSkool runs at Dixons Academy on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm for ages seven to 17. For more information ring (01925) 413255 or visit popskool.com