Hard work wins singer a surprise award

Tilly Maddocks, 18, has spent two years studying her craft at The BRIT School in Croydon and was shocked at the end of her studies when she was picked out to be honoured for her excellent attitude.

The school has been responsible for shaping some of the country’s top showbiz talent, with previous students including Adele, The Feeling, Jessie J, Amy Winehouse and Katie Melua.

To mark the end of her two-year music course, Miss Maddocks, from Witney, went along to her graduation prom but was shocked when it was announced there would also be an awards ceremony. Next minute she found herself on stage receiving an award for “consistent positive application” to the study of music, one of only three music awards given out on the night.

The former Henry Box School pupil said: “I didn’t even know there was an awards ceremony so I was quite surprised.

“But it was great for my hard work to be recognised. I felt proud because there were a lot of people in my year and it shows the teachers have recognised I have been working hard and that I have been doing my best all year.”

Miss Maddocks gained three distinction stars in her music diploma which is the highest grade available for the course and equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level.

The singer, who also plays piano and clarinet, has already been recording music with collaborators online and has formed an all-girl trio called Mativa which gigs regularly.

Her song Folkfox will be previewed along with an interview with Ms Maddocks on BBC Introducing on Radio Oxford on Saturday between 8pm and 9pm.

The BRIT School is a free performing arts and technology school for pupils aged 14 to 19. On winning a place, she said: “I was quite surprised to even get an audition because you had to do a long interview process, perform in an audition and sit entrance exams and do listening tests. It wasn’t easy.”

To listen to Ms Maddocks’ track Folkfox visit facebook.com/tillymaddocksmusic