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Original poster

School for a talented dancer - Help!

60 replies

yogamatcalling · 08/12/2017 17:39

I think I might be looking for the impossible, is there an independent school including boarding schools that can cater for a talented dancer who is strong academically? I don't want to narrow her options too early and send her to a vocational school at 13. She is passionate and committed to dancing, (ballet, modern, tap, street and latin & ballroom) she also sings and acts. We've looked at Hurstpierpoint college but they don't seem to be able to cater for G&T dancers, although have dance GCSE.
Any current parents of Legat school? I don't quite understand how this school works with Bede's.
TIA

OP posts:
AlexanderHamilton · 08/12/2017 18:51

THe problem we found was accessing enough local training to allow Dd to compete for 16 plus places (non syllabus classes are a must in my opinion) & also the homework workload at the independent school she went to.

AlexanderHamilton · 08/12/2017 18:48

Abbotts Bromley fits your criteria the most I think.

Original poster
yogamatcalling · 08/12/2017 18:21

We are in Surrey, she's not just a ballet dancer, so have discounted RBS already. We liked Tring, but for her at 16+, we also like Hurtwood House. I'm looking for a school where she can do her GCSEs, has great dance, drama and singing opportunities but not a Performing Arts school, we will look at PA schools for sixth form.
Zodlebud do think she would be better staying at a local independent school and continuing all her grades at dance school after school? She's currently year 7 and just taken grade 5 exams across the board dance and singing. Which Masterclasses would you recommend? She's done English Youth Ballet a few times, pantomime every year at regional theatres, Leads in British Theatre Academy Musicals.

OP posts:
LIZS · 08/12/2017 18:15

Hurtwood house is 6th form only. Bedes/Legat isn't overly academic. Is Brit School an option? Tou should probably be looking at vocational schools rather than all rounded ones.

Chocolatear · 08/12/2017 18:12

Hurt wood House.

AlexanderHamilton · 08/12/2017 18:05

I have knowledge of Hammond School. Their academics are very good if you compare them with good local state schools but not on a par with academically selective schools (saying that I just removed Ds from one such school)

There is also Abbots Bromley School, I was very impressed when we went to an open evening & audition there.

My dd personally didn't like Tring but I know children who are happy there.

Zodlebud · 08/12/2017 17:59

Tring Park is definitely worth a look. Sure it’s a vocational school BUT their academics are excellent, albeit the options at GCSE and A-Level are limited.

They have previously had students leave after a-levels and go to Oxbridge but many stay in the industry. One has just gone to the Juilliard!!!!

That said, I personally would wait until your daughter is 16 before focussing so heavily on her dance (unless her speciality is ballet then she should be at the RBS). If she currently receives dance tuition of a high standard then she will be fine staying where she is until 16. The reality is that even more mainstream schools known for dance do not do enough at a high enough level. I would encourage participation in a wide range of Masterclasses during holidays etc in the meantime.

I work with children in performing arts and Tring Park and RBS are the only places I would send a child dancer, even before considering the academic side.

user1508013898 · 08/12/2017 17:45

The Arts Educational artsed.co.uk
The royal ballet

DrSeuss · 08/12/2017 17:42

www.thehammondschool.co.uk

Fekko · 08/12/2017 17:40

Where are you?