A HIGH flying student from the UK’s most esteemed public school has returned to study in the North East in a quest to pursue a childhood ambition.

Eton old boy Jack Williamson has signed up for a BTEC art and design diploma at Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) to lay the foundations for a future career in architecture.

The A* student, who completed his A level studies in mathematics, design and medieval history at a school which also boasts HRH Princes William and Harry as former pupils, was recommended to apply to The Northern School of Art by Eton’s head of art Ian Burke.

“Although I did well in my A levels when I applied to university I was missing a key aspect in an art qualification,” said Jack, of Hurworth, near Darlington.

“Mr Burke, who is also a native north easterner, suggested that I take a look at CCAD, which he recommended very highly, to gain the qualifications I needed to progress in my career.

“Being a local boy The Northern School of Art was ideally placed for me to move back home and from the first time that I visited the college I knew that it was the right place for me.”

Jack, 19, attended Hurworth House School before transferring to Aysgarth School, near Bedale, aged 11. At 13 he completed the common entrance exam and IQ tests to be accepted into Eton following in the footsteps of 19 British Prime Ministers.

“I like to be different and I am very ambitious,” said Jack. “I knew immediately that Eton was the place I wanted to be and I knew that The Northern School of Art would be another great stepping stone.

“Everyone here, both tutors and students, are so positive and upbeat. The place has its own uniqueness and I have made some really good friends.”

After completing his course Jack is hoping to apply to Oxford Brookes to complete his studies and aims to realise his ultimate ambition of collecting The Pritzker Prize for Architecture.

“It wouldn’t have been impossible for me to go to another university to start studying architecture straight away but I liked the romantic idea of being able to draw better, to put my ideas down on paper in a more structured way.

“Since being at The Northern School of Art I have already seen my work improve and my creative thinking develop further which I’m sure will stand me in good stead to become a better all round designer in the future.”