Talented Leeds actor celebrates top GCSE results while starring in world premiere
He should be proud 👏
A talented Leeds actor and musician is celebrating an exceptional set of GCSE results.
Will O’Brien , a student at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), has already built an impressive acting career, appearing in national productions including Animal Farm and Why The Whales Came.
And he’s now celebrating after achieving grade 8s and 9s across all 10 of his GCSE subjects.
The 16-year-old will study music and drama and theatre studies at A-Level, alongside French and philosophy, ethics and theology.
The teenager is currently performing in the world premiere of new musical Sea Change at Birmingham Hippodrome, while his previous credits include appearances at Leeds Playhouse and roles in productions of School of Rock and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
He has also performed gigs at Leeds' Wardrobe venue with his band Off The Rails.
“I love working with others to engage an audience and tell a story,” Will said. “And I love the joy and camaraderie of being on stage and part of an ensemble.”
As a student at GSAL, Will has taken advantage of the school’s new theatre, The Cryer. The purpose-built performance space is named after Barry Cryer (OL53) who attended one of GSAL’s founding schools, Leeds Grammar School (LGS).
“Features like state-of-the-art sound and lighting really make me feel like I’m on the West End”, Will added.
As well as appearing in Sea Change this summer, Will is one of just 14 students selected to take part in a summer school at the Royal Academy for Dramatic Art (RADA).
He said: “Beyond that, I’m taking acting classes at Stagebox, gaining experience at Guildhall, (the prestigious school of music and drama), and recording a demo with my band.
“I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”
GSAL’s GCSE Class of 2026 includes a Yorkshire cricketer, a Team GB showjumper, two junior golfers and a Bradford City footballer.
Six students have received 9s – the highest possible grade – in 10 subjects. 35 students achieved grades 8 and 9 across the board.
Michael Hall, Principal at GSAL, said, “Will is an extraordinary talent but this set of results also demonstrates his hard work and dedication.
“We congratulate him on his achievements and look forward to seeing him on stage at GSAL again in the near future.”