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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

BTEC at D&B Academy of Performing Arts

31 replies

SimplySandy · 12/02/2026 09:13

Hello. My DD has just got into D&B Academy of Performing Arts in Downham, London, to do the BTEC in Performing Arts and I was wondering if anyone here had experience of it? They’ve only been running it since last September so it’s hard to know what it’s like. TIA!

OP posts:
Original poster
SimplySandy · 12/02/2026 18:04

Comefromaway · 12/02/2026 17:41

They have always taken 16 year olds (I remember talking to them at a CDMT event when my daughter was applying) but I suspect that by offering the Btec funding will be easier.

I was put off them due to that awful TV show that was on around that time but in person I was impressed by their students.

I never saw it - probably just as well! 😬

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 12/02/2026 17:41

They have always taken 16 year olds (I remember talking to them at a CDMT event when my daughter was applying) but I suspect that by offering the Btec funding will be easier.

I was put off them due to that awful TV show that was on around that time but in person I was impressed by their students.

BillieWiper · 12/02/2026 17:37

SimplySandy · 12/02/2026 17:33

Their three-year diploma is well established and accredited by the CDMT but the BTEC is new.

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Ok cool. I'm sure the college is good it's just it'll be harder to get feedback from the Btec cohort if there's only been one. I hope the student services would let her connect with recent graduates? Wishing her the best x

Original poster
SimplySandy · 12/02/2026 17:33

BillieWiper · 12/02/2026 13:18

I've not heard of it. Did she get into any other more well established colleges/courses? Just because it's so new it could be hard to judge it's quality.

Their three-year diploma is well established and accredited by the CDMT but the BTEC is new.

OP posts:
Needanadultgapyear · 12/02/2026 15:19

The BTEC and OCR are well recognised 6 the form routes in the performing arts.
They do need to stay on top of the assignments which are both written and practical. They also need to remember that every assignment counts. To do well they need to be able to work independently.
i don’t know anything about the specific college.

BillieWiper · 12/02/2026 13:18

I've not heard of it. Did she get into any other more well established colleges/courses? Just because it's so new it could be hard to judge it's quality.