Southwell Minster pupils Freddie Vokes sees dream come true as he records in New York alongside Maxi Priest

A 15-year-old music and art prodigy with special educational needs sees ‘dream come true’ as he records with Maxi Priest in the US.

Freddie Vokes, a pupil at Southwell Minster, has just flown back from New York with his mother, Sarah Vokes, after winning a music competition.

In May, Freddie took part in the Musicat ‘Heal Your Heart’ Jingle Competition, which was held online and judged by Maxi Priest and JAX.

He won the chance to record with Maxi Priest, and was then able to go and see them live in concert.

Sarah said: “Meeting him was honestly a dream come true, he was so down-to-earth and welcoming.

“Working alongside someone with his experience and artistry was not only inspiring, but also a huge learning moment for him.

“The recording sessions really opened his eyes to what goes into creating music at an international level.”

Freddie and his mother also had the chance to explore the city, which Sarah said was buzzing with creativity and energy:

“It was his first time there, and the experience really pushed him to think bigger and more boldly about his own goals.

“This trip was a big milestone for him [Freddie], not just in terms of his career, but also personal growth.

“He gained a lot of confidence, developed new skills, and came home with some exciting new connections and opportunities.

When the duo were in the US, Freddie was also offered a voiceover role for an upcoming animated project with Musicat TV.

The teenager, who has been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, dyspraxia and is hard of hearing, invests a lot of his time into the community he was born into.

Born prematurely and often underestimated, he has gone on to pass six Grade Eight music and drama exams, achieve two prestigious music diplomas, and perform as a harpist.

Freddie has overcome severe bullying and personal hardship to become a powerful advocate for mental health and inclusivity, writing music to support youth mental health.

He also chairs the youth council in his area, having served as a Youth Mayor as well as having been nominated and won several awards, such as the National Diversity Award.

He has also been nominated and shortlisted for the Make a Difference Awards 2025.