A TEENAGER who was predicted F grades in his GCSEs will next week take the first step towards his dream of becoming a barrister.

Dominic Simon, 17, is to start a placement at a top city law firm – barely a year since he was predicted to earn F grades in his GCSEs.

It follows the Djanogly City Academy student's nomination for the "most improved" category at the Nottingham Post Student Awards.

After reading his story in the Post, Shaun Smith QC, of No 1 High Pavement Chambers, wanted to get him on board.

Mr Smith said: "Since Greg Dickinson QC and myself became joint heads of chambers we have been looking at ways of involving No 1 High Pavement in the local community – and, in particular, giving opportunities to gifted young people from Nottingham's inner city schools.

"When I read Dominic's story in the Post and saw that he wanted to become a barrister I thought it would be not only a good opportunity to help a talented young man but also to begin to forge links with his school, the Djanogly Academy."

In spite of his predicted F grades, Dominic knuckled down and picked up A grades and is now studying for A-levels in history, law and sociology at the academy.

He was runner-up in the awards category.

He will begin his week-long placement at the chambers on Monday

and will be given an insight into the day-to-day work of a barrister.

He will shadow an experienced barrister in a criminal trial for the week at Nottingham Crown Court. In addition, it is hoped that he can spend some time within chambers and find out how a busy criminal practice operates.

Dominic said: "Being offered this work experience is a dream come true for me. To be able to actually spend a week at No 1 High Pavement Chambers will be amazing and is an opportunity I intend to make the absolute most of.

"I think it shows that hard work and determination can pay off and I intend to continue to apply myself so I can reach my goal of becoming a barrister."

Mr Smith said the chambers could provide other opportunities to Djanogly students as part of a link up.

He added: "We hope to achieve this by providing members of chambers to attend the school to offer the benefit of their experience both as part of the A-level law course and to help judge debates and moots.

"We also hope to be able to provide further mini-pupillages for gifted law students."

Djanogly law teacher Rebecca Smith said: "This is a fantastic opportunity that is almost better than winning the award as it will give Dominic an invaluable insight into the world of a barrister.

"Dominic is already very ambitious and I think the experience will fuel this ambition further and make him even more determined to achieve his A-levels.

"We are delighted to be forging links with No 1 High Pavement Chambers as it will provide valuable experience and insight into a career in law – and also raise aspirations of some students who may not have previously considered a career in this field."