Exams
Our ballet exams are with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) who are one of the leading organisations in the UK. We usually hold exam sessions every term but students will normally take exams once every 4 or 5 terms depending on the difficulty of the grade that they are working towards.
All students are encouraged to work towards the exams as it gives them something to aim for and they get the satisfaction of achieving it, but it is not essential to take exams.
Pre-Primary and Primary Grades go into the exam with their teacher and receive a certificate for showing the examiner the work that they have learnt. From Grade 1 upwards they have to go into the exam in groups of up to 4 candidates without their teacher and perform the majority of the exercises that they have learnt. The examiner will grade the students and send the marks off the the RAD HQ where they are moderated and then the results sheets and certificates are printed. This process can take up to 6 weeks from the end of the examination session. Because the exams for Grade 1 upwards are more difficult students are required to do 2 lessons a week for the duration of their exam term so that they will achieve the best standard possible for them.
Our modern, jazz, and tap exams are with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). These are held less frequently as there are fewer students learning these styles.
All exams are held at the Hampton Bishop Village Hall.
