Banbury woman wins BBC scholarship to kickstart a promising career in film and television production

Aaliyah Yaqub who is at the start of a promising career in film and television production

Aaliyah Yaqub, who grew up in Grimsbury, graduated from Solent University this summer with a first class degree in media production.

She topped this by getting a place at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) to study for a post-graduate diploma in production management for film and television.

She was one of only two students at the NFTS to receive a Sargent Disc Scholarship to cover half her course fees and now, receiving the BBC scholarship will mean the remainder of her fees and living costs will be covered - and she will get valuable ongoing mentorship from the BBC into the bargain.

Aaliyah Yaqub and fellow students during their filming stint at Glastonbury

"This has been a massive deal for me," said Aaliyah.

"I feel very lucky as someone who was born and raised in Banbury, now being offered a world of opportunity in the film and TV industry. I want to also encourage those who are interested in film and TV but feel their financial situations may restrict them from opportunities.

"Without the scholarships and financial aid I received, I would not be where I am now and my dream is to eventually become a Production Manager for some of the biggest films and TV shows. I am keen to share my story and encourage more young people who want to make a career in the film and TV industry."

Aaliyah went to Harriers Ground Primary school and then went to Al Madinah School. She took her A-levels at Chenderit School in Middleton Cheney where she studied Media, English and Photography. One of her filming highlights was with fellow students at Glastonbury, where she was an outside broadcast operator for the Gully Blues stage.

"I’ve lived in the family home in Grimsbury my whole life and moved back here after university. All of my family and relatives still live here too," she said.

Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer at the BBC said: “The BBC wants to back new talent and be the place they bring their best work.

"This ambitious new partnership raises the bar on what’s gone before. The NFTS is a world class education provider whose alumni have gone on to work on some of the most outstanding content of our time.

"This represents a long term, wider BBC commitment to supporting the UK creative sector. Strengthening our creative input to build stronger links with new and diverse talent at the start of their careers is vital."