Independent School with Strong Performing & Visual Arts

[Nocontactgrief]

DS is currently in prep school in Yorkshire. We are considering a move at year 7 as his current school is very sport-orientated.

DS is a bright, academically capable boy but he has natural talents in performing & visual arts. He tends to hide his love of performing & ballet from his friends, although we encourage him talk about his interests.

His extra-curriculum activities are drama, dance, music & art. Despite trying a range of sports, he isn't interested - that's all good, we'll provide opportunities for whatever he loves.

We know about the Hammond School in Chester, but is there any MN knowledge about other independent (not boarding) schools north of the Midlands that has a strong curriculum in performing & visual arts?
Thanks for any suggestions

There is The Moorland School in Clitheroe, that has a ballet track, not sure if it goes to wider performing arts.

Otherwise, agree re: The Hammond in Chester, that's the most well known in the North West.

Thanks Ritz!

Can’t help with a school within your criteria (those I’d suggest are boarding and in the south!) but as you say He tends to hide his love of performing & ballet from his friends, I would suggest you look at single sex schools in preference to mixed.

In both theory and practice boys seem to find it easier to express and develop an interest in less traditionally macho activities in single sex schools.

I have to say I’ve only ever seen boys nonchalently wielding sewing machines in boys schools. Where choirs, drama and art also thrive.

It may be worth viewing schools in terms of somewhere you (and he) would be happy with for the next 3 years, then if his passions are still for performing, look at some of the specialist schools like Hammond (mentioned upthread) where he could board.

The Hammond (as you have already mentioned) is a very good school, I know a lady who went there, she said it is hard work as they do the performing arts lessons around a normal school day, so very early starts and late finishes, but if he loves doing it he probably won't mind.

If he is seriously interested in ballet consider Elmhurst in Birmingham.

www.elmhurstdance.co.uk

Moorland and Elmhurst are very heavily classical ballet wheras Hammond is more all round dance with lots of opportunities for singing and drama if that is what you wish. Dd has done summer schools at all 3 and attended one full time. Elmhurst is comepletly needs blind and very, very competitive to get in, plus thety often asess out at Year 9 if your ballet is not progressing or puberty changes your body shape. We know several current/recent students.

I have heard excellent reports of Moorland full time but there scholarships are limited and they don't really do other forms of dance/performing arts.

Both Hammond and Elmhurst seem to do very well in Art GCSE/A levels and the kids often choose textiles options (dd hates fine art so didn't pursue that option)

Please feel free to message me if you want any more specific info.