We catch up with the up-and-coming stars of the independent schools sector

Edward Bluemel, 23

Actor

Taunton School, Somerset

Edward recently landed a lead role in ITV?s World War Two drama series, The Halcyon, playing the role of ?Toby Hamilton?. The drama, set in 1940, showed London life through the prism of war and the impact it had on families, politics, relationships and work.
Edward was a pupil at Taunton School from Pre-Prep right through to the Senior School in 2011, and both his parents are also teachers there. While at school, he was involved in a number of productions, including The Taming of the Shrew, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables.
He later attended a RADA Foundation Course, achieving a BA (Hons) in Acting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2015. As well as his role in The Halcyon, he has just starred in the sold-out show, Love In Idleness at the Menier Chocolate Factory in the West End. Edward will also play a leading role in the film Access All Areas, which is due to be released later this year.
James Botham, 18

Rugby player

Sedbergh School, Cumbria

James (second from right) made his first appearance for the Wales Under 20s at the Six Nations in January, playing against Scotland, and even scored his first try for the team. The rugby star, who started playing while at Cundall Manor Prep School in York, is the grandson of cricket legend, Ian Bot...