A FORMER pupil from Bristol Grammar School will be hitting the high notes in the city cathedral before taking up a scholarship at the Royal College of Music.

Young soprano Josephine Goddard, 18, will perform tomorrow before heading off to start her career in London.

She has just taken her A-level exams in music, English literature and history and is now preparing a lunchtime recital at Bristol Cathedral.

Singing from the age of eight, Ms Goddard has been competing in local festivals ever since. From the age of 11 she has studied singing with a tutor at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She was awarded her ABRSM Diploma in Performance with Distinction at the age of 16 and was named Singer of the Year at the National Rotary Multi-district Young Musician Competition in May 2009.

She has been a choral apprentice with Bristol Choral Society since 2005, and has sung with them in many concerts.

Her first ever professional performance was in the Colston Hall with the choir when she was just 14.

The talented singer said: "I'm obviously looking forward to all the opportunities ahead, but having done so many recitals in different venues in Bristol over the years, I am really looking forward to one last concert here before I go."

Justin Harford, director of sixth form at Bristol Grammar School is confident of her future success. He said: "Josephine has already established herself as a soprano soloist of repute, regularly giving solo recitals. It is no surprise to any of us at Bristol Grammar School, who have had the pleasure of hearing her sing so regularly, that her applications to read music have been so well-received."

Ms Goddard will perform Folksong settings by Britten, Canteloube and Britten at Bristol Cathedral on Tuesday, August 17, at 1.15pm. Entry is free.