The school encourages all Students to take examinations or presentation classes, these give the student a goal to aim for and a real sense of achievement in reaching it, and a record of progress.  All examinations are held by examining bodies external to the school. To be entered for any examination you must attend class regularly, the school keeps a record of sessions attended. As a guide it will generally take pupils 12 to 18 months to move from one examination to the next this will extend to 18 months to 2 years for higher grades. Vocational grades are only entered when the pupil has achieved the required strength. For all exams pupils are entered when they are deemed ready to succeed.

Pupils are entered for ballet examinations of 'The Royal Academy of Dance' graded examinations or presentation classes. Founded in 1920 the Royal Academy represents the very highest standard in the teaching of classical ballet. It has also grown to become the largest and most influential dance examining body in the world, operating in over 50 countries. The standard required is high, children are expected to show a competent knowledge of the syllabus, controlled technique, and quality of movement.

There is also a syllabus of Vocational Examinations which can be studied for those students who may want to use dance in their future career options. The RAD Vocational examinations are recognized as the required for entry into full time dance colleges at the age of 16 to 18, and a prospective dance student will be required to hold a minimum of Intermediate RAD. We are one of very few schools offering vocational classes and examinations up to Advanced standard. Examinations are accredited by the QCA.

The recommended study hours for RAD grades are as follows:-

The RAD  qualifications are accredited on the  Credit Framework as follows:

UCAS points

Graded and Vocational Graded Examinations in Dance at Level 3 are allocated points on the UCAS Tariff. 

This means that candidates who have achieved a Pass or higher in a Level 3 qualification (Grades 6, 7, 8, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation) can use their RAD examination result towards their points tariff when applying to University or a Higher Education institution in the UK.

The point allocation varies, based on the examination level and attainment band (pass classification). 

You can find the points tariff for each examination level and attainment band using the table below:

For further details, please visit the UCAS website.

Examinations and Medal tests for Jazz, Tap, Ballet and  Gymnastic dance are taken with the IDTA. Pupils have to be well prepared with a solid technique. The IDTA is a reputable examination board and is accredited by the Council for Dance, Education and Training.

IDTA UNIFORM 2015
JUNIOR AND INTER JAZZ
Black Leggings/Pink uniform T shirt/bare feet (foot thongs optional)
Boys Black cycling shorts and grey uniform t shirt/bare feet (foot thongs optional)

SENIOR AND ADVANCED JAZZ
Black leggings/EITHER pink uniform T shirt OR black leotard (to be decided in each group the same)
Bare feet (foot thongs optional)

MODERN
Uniform black and red unitard/bare feet (foot thongs optional)

BALLET
Black leotard/Pink tights/Pink ballet shoes (soft blocks optional)/Pointe shoes