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Original poster

Academic DD wants to go to the Brit school

37 replies

britsornot · 09/09/2014 13:21

Long story short, DD has always had a love of drama and in particular singing. She is rather good and has represented all of her schools in some way, either in the choir or as a soloist. She spent 9 years at our local stagecoach drama school on Saturdays and is currently part of a youth theatre. She was lucky enough to be part of a show at The National Theatre.

She is also very academic and has always wanted to become a vet. She is doing really well, and I feel has a good chance of getting the grades she would need for veterinary.

She has now decided she would like to try for The Brit School musical theatre strand. My main worry is that the academic side to the school is maybe not that strong, and veterinary would be totally out the window if she does this!

I am in a real dilemma, and if anyone has any info on the pros and cons of Brits I would be really appreciative...we have until Jan 2nd to decide!

OP posts:
Shedding · 09/09/2014 20:17

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Dunlurking · 09/09/2014 20:14

Could she agree to get A levels and then do musical theatre training somewhere? Then at least she's got her academic A levels to allow her to go to uni later. Is it the idea of the Brit school in particular that she has fallen for?

summerends · 09/09/2014 20:11

Has she auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre productions? That might satisfy her need and get her experience.

Returning · 09/09/2014 19:41

She can be passionate about singing, and be very good without going to the Brit school. But going to the Brit School would cancel other options. Totally agree with wiganerpie.

wiganerpie · 09/09/2014 16:03

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BreeVDKamp · 09/09/2014 15:53

Maybe let her audition, she might get there and hate it! I auditioned for Laines and hated the snobby teachers and prima ballerina types, so the audition put me off. And it would be a good experience for her in any case.

Before my A Levels I got a place at a music college, so then didn't bother studying for my exams... I'm sure your DD is much more sensible than me and you won't let that happen but if she gets into Brit, obviously exams still important! I got great GCSEs so I'm sure I could have done better at A Level.

Original poster
britsornot · 09/09/2014 15:48

That is the fear! But I also know how passionate she is about singing and that she is very good. I don't want to tell her that she can't apply, but will probably be relieved if it is a no!

OP posts:
Returning · 09/09/2014 15:43

The reality is, though, that if she went to the Brit School then being a vet, or having any other science career, would be out. If she stayed at her current school then she is still keeping all her options open. I would not send academic DC to the Brit school (my DC are both very talented in the performing arts, but are also very academic). Realistically, even people who get into specialist schools, very few go on to have a really successful career in the performing arts, most are likely to end up teaching or in small regional theatres.

Original poster
britsornot · 09/09/2014 15:41

She has to get in first!!! I heard there are something like 5000 applicants for about 100 places!! Odds don't look good!

OP posts:
BreeVDKamp · 09/09/2014 15:32

Ooh what a fab dilemma to have!

I really wanted to go to the BRIT school when I was 16 and was furious with my mum for not letting me (she didn't want me to move away). But I think it was for the best!

I can't really help although it sounds like your DD will have a great career whichever path she chooses!

Original poster
britsornot · 09/09/2014 15:25

You are quite right - nothing to lose by applying. BUT if she were to get in I'm just not sure if it would be the best thing to do. I always felt that performing was more of a hobby, not a career choice - but I guess it must be her choice. Maybe it would be better to get GCSE's done and then apply for Y12???

OP posts:
Ladymuck · 09/09/2014 13:38

Well in one sense you have little to lose by trying for BRIT - obviously it is hugely competitive to get in. The pupils I know who have attended have all gone on to obtain excellent degrees, although not in sciences. In one sense it may be easier for the more academic children, but certainly the pupils I know were highly motivated and fairly organised as they were already fitting in a lot of extra curricular activities.

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