JACKSON Walker is having to juggle his GCSEs with his ‘obsession’ for drumming while also modelling in London on the side - and he’s somehow managing to excel at everything.
The 15-year-old Penistone Grammar School pupil from Cawthorne was the only finalist from the north of England in this year’s Zildjian UK Young Drummer of the Year - the country’s most prestigious competition of its kind.
He competed against more than 500 applicants from across the UK to become one of just ten finalists selected to perform at the national final.
Jackson was first shortlisted into the top 40 before a second round of judging by an internationally recognised panel - including professional drummers Ash Soan, JJ Wallace and Rob Rolfe who perform with artists Taylor Swift, Adele, CeeLo Green, Alicia Keys and Jorja Smith.
Industry figures from Zildjian, the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer, Vic Firth, whose drumsticks are used by professionals worldwide, Remo and Gretsch were also present on the day.
His place in the final ten was confirmed in a personal call from competition founder Mike Dolbear.
His passion for drumming started when he was just a youngster and he’s currently in The Kostanzas, a Yorkshire grunge-punk band who won Rotherham Radio’s Next Big Thing in 2024 and supported Fun Lovin’ Criminals on their UK tour in autumn 2025.
The band release their debut EP this spring.
He also performs with soul artist Cris Quammie and studies at Leeds Junior Conservatoire alongside doing his GCSEs at Penistone Grammar.
His mum Natalie told the Chronicle: “He started his lessons when he was seven but had his first wooden trinkets when he was two.
“He really started taking it seriously when he went to secondary school.
“Since then he’s been practising for his grade eight.
“He’s been playing in a few bands and he had to audition for his most recent, The Kostanzas.
“They’re going from strength-to-strength.”
Jackson has been nominated in this year’s Young Champions awards, and Natalie says she’s incredibly proud of all his hard work.
She added: “He’s obsessed with drumming and he’s very talented.
“He’s doing phenomenally and is a force to be reckoned with.
“He’s predicted to get all seven to nines in his GCSEs and went out to London at the weekend to model.
“I don’t know how he does it.
“I’m so proud of him.”
