Only a few days later, the boy from Harlesden, went to a regional heat of World Skills UK in Nottingham and walked off with the gold medal in acting – which means he could compete in the national UK Skills final and even go on to World Skills. (See STOP PRESS below).

As his May swan song at the College of North West London, Kadeem – now just 18 – took the lead in the School of the Arts’ final major drama project, 4:48 Psychosis, a hard-hitting adult-themed 50-minute play about clinical depression.

Recommending staff to see the play before Kadeem leaves the College at the end of June to pursue his BA degree in Acting, CNWL Principal Vicki Fagg said she understood he really outshone the competition at World Skills, and added: “I am sure he will be famous”.

To win top marks, Kadeem presented an extract from the comedy play One Cool Cat performed at CNWL last year, but this time he took the lead role of Winston the Lion which he had never played before.

Before that he underwent a gruelling three days of auditions at the Central School, where he was up against nearly 9000 other wannabes competing for a handful of places. He presented extracts from King Lear and Barbarians, and also a two-minute devised piece based on a picture supplied in advance.

In the back of his mind he was inspired by an illustrious predecessor from CNWL who is now an award-winning actor. 11 years ago Nonso Anozie from Wembley also beat off the opposition to win a place at the Central School after training at the College of North West London – and after that he became the youngest actor in history to play King Lear and Othello.

Nonso has appeared in film, TV and stage roles. Most recently he played the lead in Cass, the real life story of an anti-hero, and also the lead in The King’s Horseman at the National Theatre.

Nonso was 19 when he went to the Central. But Kadeem is one of the youngest ever to be accepted.

 “I hope to follow in Nonso’s footsteps. I was anxious, but after my final recall audition, I knew I’d made a good impression,” said Kadeem, who spent five years at the Barbara Speake stage school in Acton from the age of nine to 14.

“I was so excited at the news that I got my teacher out of bed to tell him! I always wanted to go to drama school rather than university because I am so passionate about acting, and I could see the Central was the place for me.”

“Then when I got the gold at World Skills, I was on a roll. Winning two top places is the highlight of my life so far.”

After gaining distinctions throughout his two-year National Diploma course, Kadeem can’t wait for October when he starts his degree.

His mother Michelle Poorman, who recently graduated with a photography degree, said Kadeem had cousins in America with performance careers – one is a professional actor who appeared in the remake of Shaft and in Kick Ass, and another is a jazz guitarist.

She added; “I am just so proud of Kadeem, and everybody in the family is really happy for him. He’s always wanted to act, and he’s always been confident and very determined.”

CNWL Head of Arts Steve Keating, Kadeem’s teacher and mentor, said: “Kadeem has always been an outstanding student, but to get into the Central School you need not just acting skills, but many other qualities. For him to go on to gain first place at regional World Skills is the icing on the cake.

“We fully expect him to be among the top scorers selected for the national UK Skills final in Stockport, Manchester, on July 2. Whatever happens, he has a brilliant future ahead. “

S-T-O-P      P-R-E-S-S !!!

Kadeem Pearse competed in the UK Skills national final on July 2 and was awarded the SILVER medal - making him runner-up to the World Skills UK champion, and top male finalist. He now has a chance of being selected for the World Skills international finals next year.

PICTURE SHOWS:

Kadeem Pearse