A teenager could soon be swapping textbooks for red carpets after completing a prestigious film course.

Matthew Smith learnt from BAFTA-winning professionals during the two week BFI Film Academy craft skills residential course.

The 18-year-old, who lives in Dagenham, boosted his film-editing abilities and even tried directing.

“The experience really broadened my knowledge and it’s taken me one step closer to a career in post-production,” Matthew, who took part in last year’s Post student takeover, said.

He left school with just two D grade GCSEs but is set to start a degree in Film and Moving Image Production at Norwich University in September after completing a Level 3 Extended Diploma at Barking and Dagenham College.