RISING netball star Ashleigh Stock is hoping her hard work – both on the court and in the classroom – can help her fulfil her international ambitions.

The Bournemouth teenager played a part as England under-17s claimed European Championship glory by defeating Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in a tournament north of the border earlier this month.

Ashleigh’s netball success, coupled with her academic achievements at Bournemouth School for Girls, has seen her offered a scholarship to study A-Levels at King Edward School in Bath.

The 15-year-old, who is working towards her GCSEs later this year, finds time to do homework and reading while in the car travelling to training and matches as part of a hectic schedule.

Ashleigh, who began playing netball at the age of 10, believes the chance to study in Bath, where she plays for Team Bath in the National Talent League, would also give her the chance to train more regularly.

She told Echo Youth Sport: “It is near the university so I would be training most days or every day.

“I started playing when I was at middle school and that was when I joined Bournemouth – because I was interested in netball.

“Now, every weekend, we are away somewhere and it is very busy. I don’t have much choice other than to read in the car. Sometimes, it gets a bit much, but I am used to it now. I train most nights so I have to do that.”

As well as representing England under-17s and being selected for Team Bath’s youth side, Ashleigh plays club netball for Southampton-based Weston Park Blades.

A centre or wing defence, she trains in Bath on Mondays and with the Blades on Tuesdays, with matches on both Saturdays and Sundays, while monthly England training takes place in Sheffield.

Ashleigh is not getting carried away with her netball progress but admits she would like to eventually make the transition to the England senior team.

“I will just see how it goes,” added Ashleigh. “That would be great if I could.”