When does registration open?
Registration for the following academic year opens in June during the final week of school.

How do I register?
All registrations are completed through the ECA platform at eca.ecolint.ch.

What if a class is full?
Please join the waiting list. Places often become available during the summer and in September. When possible, we may also open additional groups.

Can my child join a class once the school year has started?
In many cases, yes. Please contact us to discuss availability. Fees may be adjusted pro-rata where appropriate.

Can my child take more than one class?
Yes. Many students participate in more than one ENCORE activity. Where multiple ENCORE classes are offered on the same day for a child's year group, timetables are specifically designed to allow students to take two classes in a row.

Can students who do not attend Ecolint join ENCORE classes?
Yes. External students are welcome to attend any ENCORE class for their age, subject to availability. To express interest in a class, please complete the External New Enrolments Form. Submission of the form does not guarantee a place, and families will be contacted once availability has been reviewed.

How do I know which class is the best fit for my child?
Start by selecting your child's year group (each year group has timetable links showing days and times) and then read the course descriptions along with the FAQs. We're always happy to answer questions.

Why are students grouped by age rather than experience level?
As a recreational, non-competitive programme, our classes are organised by school year so students learn with peers of a similar age. Specialist teachers adapt activities and support within each group. For LAMDA, exam levels are recommended individually and may vary within the same class.

My child has never taken performing arts classes before. Can they still join?
Yes. Many ENCORE students begin with no previous experience. All classes welcome complete beginners unless otherwise stated.

Do you offer trial lessons or a trial period?
No. ENCORE does not offer trial lessons or a trial period. Registration is a commitment for the full academic year which allows us to confirm classes and engage specialist teachers before the year begins. Our teachers are experienced in welcoming children who may feel reserved or nervous in a new environment.

What languages are ENCORE classes taught in?
Dance and Drama classes may be taught in English, French, or bilingually, depending on the class, campus, and teacher. Most of our Dance and Drama teachers are bilingual and support students in both languages where possible. LAMDA classes are taught in English, as LAMDA examinations are taken in English.

Can I request a specific teacher for my child?
We understand that students often form strong connections with their teachers. However, ENCORE cannot guarantee placements with specific teachers or prioritise transfers between sections for this reason. Teacher placements are determined by timetable, availability, and the overall needs of the programme, and may change even after teacher names are published.

Do you offer private lessons?
In some cases, yes. One-to-one instruction in Dance or LAMDA may be available for additional support, extension, exam preparation, or a more personalised learning experience. Availability depends on teacher, timetable, and location, so please contact us to discuss options.

My child attends a different school system. Which Ecolint year group corresponds to my child's age?
Ecolint year groups generally correspond to the following ages:
Reception: 4–5 yo

Y1: 5–6 yo

Y2: 6–7 yo

Y3: 7–8 yo

Y4: 8–9 yo

Y5: 9–10 yo

Y6: 10–11 yo

Y7: 11–12 yo

Y8: 12–13 yo

Y9: 13–14 yo

Y10: 14–15 yo

Y11: 15–16 yo

Y12: 16–17 yo

Y13: 17–18 yo 

When can I see my child perform?
All ENCORE students have the opportunity to be seen twice a year: once in an informal mid-year Open Class, and once in a year-end Drama Showcase, LAMDA Showcase, or Dance Recital performance.

Who is invited to watch?
Friends and family are invited to Open Classes and year-end performances.

Do all Dance students perform?
Yes. All Dance students participate in mid-year Open Classes. The year-end costumed Dance Recital weekend in the Centre des arts is also for all Dance students except our youngest Pre-Reception and Reception students who will have their year-end costumed performance during class time.

Do all Drama students perform?
Yes. All Drama students participate in mid-year Open Classes, as well as a year-end Drama Showcase performance for family and friends.

Do all LAMDA students perform?
Yes. In addition to their closed-door examination performance for an external examiner, LAMDA students may participate in open masterclasses, mock exams, showcases, and other sharing opportunities.

Do Dance and Drama classes require previous experience?
No. All Dance and Drama classes welcome students of all experience levels unless otherwise stated.

Do students need to audition for Dance or Drama classes?
No. ENCORE Dance and Drama classes do not require auditions. We are a fully recreational, non-competitive programme. Students are placed according to age group and class availability.

My child is a bit timid. Would Dance or Drama still be suitable?
Absolutely. Many students join dance and drama activities to make friends, build confidence, and develop communication skills in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to participate at their own pace.

Drama seems similar to LAMDA Acting. What's the difference?
Drama classes focus on group theatre experiences, including collaboration, storytelling, improvisation, and group performance. There is no examination element.

LAMDA Acting classes develop solo performance skills in a group setting. Later in the year, each student works on their own monologues and prepares individually.

Many students choose to participate in both.

What is LAMDA?
LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) is a UK-based awarding organisation offering internationally recognised examinations in performance and communication. Ecolint is the largest LAMDA examination centre in Europe. Learn more about LAMDA exams here.

What LAMDA subjects do you offer?
Our group classes prepare students for solo exams in:
• LAMDA Introductory
• LAMDA Acting
• LAMDA Musical Theatre
• LAMDA Speaking in Public

Does my child need previous LAMDA experience?
No. New students are welcome at all ages and experience levels. Your child should join the class that corresponds to their year group.

My child is not a native English speaker. Will that be a problem?
No. Many LAMDA students speak English as an additional language and do very well with appropriate material, coaching, and preparation. LAMDA is a UK-based organisation, and classes are taught in English because the examinations are conducted in English. Non-native English speakers are welcome.

Why are LAMDA students grouped by age rather than skill level?
LAMDA classes are organised by school year so students learn with peers of a similar age. Within each group, specialist teachers consider each student’s experience, readiness, and previous LAMDA exams before recommending an exam level. This means students in the same class may prepare for different LAMDA exam grades.

What is the difference between LAMDA Acting and LAMDA Musical Theatre?
LAMDA Acting focuses on acting and spoken performance using solo monologues. LAMDA Musical Theatre combines acting and singing using musical theatre songs.

What happens in a Speaking in Public course?
This is an age-appropriate public speaking class where students learn to prepare and deliver speeches on topics they care about. The course develops confidence, presentation skills, speech writing, audience engagement, and effective communication.

My child wants the learning experience but not the exam. Are LAMDA examinations compulsory?
No. Students may participate in LAMDA classes without entering for examinations.

Are LAMDA examination fees included in the ENCORE class fee?
No. LAMDA examination fees are billed separately and are paid directly to LAMDA. The ENCORE class fee covers weekly teaching and preparation.

Do LAMDA examinations provide a formal qualification?
Yes. LAMDA examinations are internationally recognised qualifications. Medal-level examinations (Grades 6, 7, and 8) carry UCAS tariff points that may contribute to UK university applications. Learn more about UCAS tariff points here.

How does my child receive feedback on their progress and final performance?
Students receive ongoing feedback from their teachers throughout the year. LAMDA examination candidates also receive a formal written report and mark sheet from the external examiner.

When do classes begin and end?
ENCORE classes run on all campuses from the first week of school, beginning 31 August, through the end of May. If replacement classes are needed, these may take place during the reserve weeks in June, up to 11 June.

What should my child wear to class?
Each child receives one ENCORE Academy T-shirt per class in September. Students are welcome to wear their ENCORE T-shirt to class. All ENCORE classes involve movement, including Drama and LAMDA, so students should dress comfortably.

Dance students will receive a separate Dance Dress Code to guide their dancewear choices.

Can my child change from one ENCORE class to another after the year starts?
In some cases, changes between ENCORE classes may be possible at the beginning of the year, provided space is available in the requested class. Please contact us to discuss options.

What kind of classroom or studio space will my child use?
ENCORE classes take place in a school setting rather than a specialist conservatoire, so some classes use regular classrooms. In these spaces, desks and chairs may be carefully moved before class and returned afterward.

If my child misses a class, can they attend a different group to make it up?
No. Missed classes cannot be made up in another group.

Are refunds available for missed classes?
No. Refunds are not available for individual missed classes. Please see the Terms & Conditions linked on this page.

What happens if a teacher is absent?
We always try to arrange a qualified substitute teacher. If this is not possible, ENCORE has two reserve weeks built into the calendar in June that may be used for replacement classes. Families will be informed if a June make-up class is scheduled.

What happens if class is cancelled on short notice?
We try to avoid short-notice cancellations whenever possible and will always first try to arrange a suitable replacement specialist. If a class must be cancelled, we aim to inform families the night before. In rare same-day situations, we email guardians and school reception teams as soon as possible, and students needing supervision may attend After-School Care free of charge.

Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact either Allison or Zara. If needed, we will direct your question to the right person.
• La Grande Boissière: encore.LGB@ecolint.ch
• La Châtaigneraie: encore.CHA@ecolint.ch
• Campus des Nations: encore.NAT@ecolint.ch