An east Norfolk student has been accepted on to one of the most prestigious photography degree courses in the country.

Eastern Daily Press: Emma Marsden-HillEmma Marsden-Hill (Image: Archant)

East Norfolk Sixth Form student Emma Marsden-Hill, from Belton, has beaten the odds to secure a sought-after place on the London College of Fashion course. The slots are limited, so only the best from around the globe make the cut.

'For Emma to be offered an unconditional place when she doesn't even complete her A levels until June is testament to her extraordinary talent,' said Martin Pigott, East Norfolk's head of art and design.

Last year, Emma scored 100pc in her AS-level photography course and she is currently preparing for her A-level exams in photography, graphics and English language.

Now her university place is secure, she is thinking ahead – with her ambition to become a freelance fashion photographer.

Emma said of the London College of Fashion: 'It's almost the Oxbridge of fashion. The collaboration between students is intense – I'll be surrounded by make-up and hair stylists, designers and marketing students.

'The course content is highly experimental and paves the way to forming a signature style.'

To gain her place Emma had to send an online portfolio of 15 images, showcasing her best work and demonstrating her ability to visually translate social issues and historical influences.

More than 500 applicants were shortlisted for the college and of these, only 80 were interviewed.

Emma believed that her college tutors had been instrumental in her success. She said: 'My tutors have always pushed me to aim to achieve my goals and no less. They give phenomenal feedback to pinpoint precision and always give options that are sometimes out of my comfort zone.'

Have you beaten the odds to secure a sought-after education place? Email anne.edwards@archant.co.uk