Advice on Drama school places - Birmingham or Bristol?

[4Laurie]

Hello, I knew almost nothing about applying for drama school places when my son decided to go for it at Christmas. To his great credit he's been offered 2 unconditional places at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the new Bristol school of Acting, he really wanted Oxford School of Acting and has been offered Foundation Course but not the 3 year course. I have suggested he goes and spends a day at both Bristol and Birmingham if they'll let him as he has to decide on limited info, so wondered if any parents could give me more insight into the two places. He wants a sound classical training, with best teachers possible. He could I guess do the Foundation at Oxford and re-apply for RADA and top places next year but he has two good offers this year. Any insight and advice welcome, this is his first time of applying and he's 20, started biomedical engineering last year but after a month realised it was not his path...so drama it is.

Maybe he could look at the teaching faculty in both places and do some research on them. Also look at graduate destinations and what sort of work they've ended up in, although that would be difficult if the Bristol one is new.

Is he interested in theatre or film/tv?

My family's experience is in the dance world so I can't help any more than that.

Thanks, I realise I have put this in the wrong section but have no idea how to change it! I have suggested he tries to spend a day in each place, get a feel for teachers, etc

Reaching out to any parents with experience of Birmingham Junior conservatoire for any advice, views or feedback?
We have been offered a late audition, which if successful, will mean starting in September. I have not given notice to current teachers yet, as we don’t know what the chances are and also are now away on holiday until the day before, so there will be no chance to practice!
i’ve asked for the T&Cs but was told there are none. My main questions atm are

1. what happens if you’re away on a Saturday so miss a session, I’m assuming it’s just lost?
2. what are the expectations re practice time during the week
3. are you able to defer a start date until you’ve given notice to current teachers (possibly a term)?
4. overall impressions?

my child is just going into year 11 now so needs to plan for GCSE’s as well. But I was thinking this might be a good year to do it so we can really decide whether or not to pursue music into year 12-13, thank you

Junior conservatoire is usually for very dedicated young musicians only. You would be expected to attend each week and certainly no refunds would be given for non attendance. Non attendance would be taking a place away from another talented youngster so would be discouraged. If you are funded by the MDS scheme (which is government funding) and you regularly don't attend then it is possible that your place may be reconsidered. You are assessed every year

I have no experience of Birmingham specifically, but I do have experience of MDS funded schemes.

I would suggest however that you start a separate thread or post on the long running music thread as parents of musicians might not click on this one.