Exams

We actively encourage our students to take exams, when ready, both in ballet (R.A.D.) and tap (N.A.T.D.).

The first exam in both ballet and tap is a "class award", designed to introduce children to taking exams in a very reassuring setting. Up to 8 children enter at a time, along with their teacher, who leads and guides them through the exercises and dances that they've been taught.  If successful, each child is awarded a report, certificate and medal which builds a sense of achievement and pride. We prepare our students very thoroughly for their exams so that when it comes to the big day, the children are usually very excited and keen to perform!  We really feel that taking exams not only helps develop confidence for our students in dance but that the experience helps their approach to exams and assessment in all walks of life.

As our students progress through the grades, the work and standards become more demanding but we're pleased to say that we have a 100% success rate in all our ballet and tap exams, with over 99% of exams taken to date being passed with Merit or Distinction.

Exams with both the R.A.D. and N.A.T.D. are recognised by Ofqual and the higher grades are allocated points on the UCAS tariff.