04 We did it our way
Chelsea Mountney
Age: 17
Left academic education: Aged nine; was educated at home by her parents
Defining moment: Being awarded a distinction in her BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts
Current occupation: Student
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Ros Mountney
"From a very early age Chelsea expressed an interest in performing. It wasn’t a dream of being famous like so many other young people have – she has a real passion for performing and we’ve always tried to encourage her creativity.
In fact, that’s partly why we decided on educating her at home; we wanted a more rounded sort of education for her that would allow her to explore her own strengths. We honestly believe that if she had stayed in the traditional education system it would have failed her.
As it was, she was accepted on a Performing Arts BTEC course aged 16, a year earlier than most and with no formal qualifications. Despite this, her tutor has said that Chelsea is one of the best students they have ever had.
She passed the course with a distinction, which was a massive achievement, especially since we had no idea how she would fare compared to other students.
She’s now studying for a higher diploma which is a two-year course. We can’t see her regretting not having any formal qualifications – she can always go back and get them at a later stage, but this is what she wants to do now.
She works very hard and we’re incredibly proud of her."