Does enrolling my child in an elite performing arts school benefit her future education?

29 replies

Whatdidyoucallme · 20/01/2026 14:06

I would love some advice from other parents.

My daughter attends an elite dance and performing arts school just outside London, and I am wondering what long-term benefits this might bring to her future education and opportunities.

If I do not plan to place her in a private school that costs thousands per month, can this type of training still positively impact her academic path, confidence, or future career prospects?

I am also curious about scholarship opportunities at private performing arts schools. How do scholarships typically work? Are they usually partial or full, and how common are full scholarships in London and the surrounding areas?

I would really appreciate hearing from parents who have experience with this or have seen long-term outcomes.

OP posts:

Ubertomusic · 20/07/2026 14:38

Dancelife2026 · 20/07/2026 12:18

Is your child is talented and do they want a career in the performing arts? If so, the academic education is strong and often as high as other private academic only schools.

My advice would be that if it is a pathway your child wants to take then they should pursue it. If it is a route that you want your child to take because you think it might help in later life, don’t do it.

Dance training is painful and mentally and physically exhausting. This is fine if you enjoy it but if you don’t want to be there, it is a lonely place and can be soul destroying.

Consider what your child really wants rather than trying a work around for education.

The academic education at specialist schools is anything but strong.

OhCrumbsWhereNow · 20/07/2026 20:53

Dancelife2026 · 20/07/2026 13:06

As a leading agent with casting director experience, it is the same process whether acting or dancing. The role of spotlight only became ‘the thing’ around 2007 with most casting directors avoiding it as it didn’t supply them with all the necessary information.
It has taken such a strong hold because of the digitalisation of the casting process. This is due to numbers but does not prohibit casting directors receiving cv’s directly.

Strange how those of us who have been in the industry for almost 2 decades, have children/teens/young adults actively working across West End, TV and film, and with top tier adult agents all find that it's rather essential. 99.9% of briefs come through that. I can't think of any decent agents in screen that don't insist on Spotlight membership.

MonGrainDeSel · 20/07/2026 21:34

I first worked professionally in theatre in the early 90s, so well over thirty years ago. Spotlight has always been absolutely essential (and had been essential for some time before this too).

And the idea that performing arts schools deliver just as good an education as normal schools or other private schools is risible at best. They get kids through the basics but the curriculum offering is extremely limited and also limiting.

SaveYourself1 · 22/07/2026 21:15

What is the overarching game plan? Think of where the Industry will be in two to five years time, never mind ten, things are changing so quickly it’s become tricky to advise parents properly.

You need a plan A, B and C. Make sure they get an all rounded education, and give the scaffolding needed to ensure their creative flair flourishes.

If they stay in current PA school, then double down on the industry, build those relationships now, get a broad sense of roles, who is who, the power brokers etc. you want to approach this strategically and with rigour, not really something that can be left to chance.

Wishing you the best with it!

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