Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

[Ahahmmok]

Can anyone comment on Tring Park especially Boarding? DS considering a last minute place but has cold feet about boarding, and unfortunately travel each day is all but impossible. Would love to find some parents who have kids heading in to Ys 9, 10 or 11. He is also concerned about his lack of dance training? He doesn’t think passing the audition was that big a deal! Thanks in advance

I would never send a child to board if they weren’t 100% on board. Of course, a few nerves are to be expected but if he really is unsure then please reconsider (I am the parent of a boarder at a different school nearby and my second DC is unsure whether or not they want to board so they won’t be unless that changes).

I know several children at TP and one of my children attends the Associates classes there. My sister also attended there from 16 many years ago. It’s a great school if your child is 100% committed to a career in the performing arts. Their academic results are great considering it’s a vocational school but there are lots of negatives.

There’s very very limited extra curricular and no sport. The days are extremely long. It has a rather unique atmosphere in that it feels rather informal and alternative. This is more strongly felt when the children are in vocational lessons but does show a bit in classroom uniform lessons. Options for GCSE and A-level subjects are limited. Tring town is pretty small and a long way from the station so it can feel a bit claustrophobic.

Dare I say that it is easier for boys to get a place there but it’s still no mean feat. Places are sought after and they aren’t cheap!!!

I, personally, would wait until he is 16 and 100% set on his future career - unless he wants to be a ballet dancer of course. If he’s into musical theatre then places in the elite teams at Stagebox and Spirit Young Performers can offer some great training and exposure. Likewise getting a place with NYMT or NYT. All would stand him in good stead for admissions at 16. What was the main driver for applying in the first place?

I agree with much of what you say, but I do think there is a good range of both GCSE and A level options.
For MT in particular, the course is an excellent springboard to the very best training at 18.
The atmosphere definitely feels more relaxed and creative than a traditional school, but the academic teaching is first rate (in our experience) and students do incredibly well considering that’s it’s not at all academically selective and very many students have dyslexia/additional needs (seems to be a high correlation between this and creative ability),
It is a small school and in DDs experience that creates strong friendships.

However, boarding is definitely not for everyone snd I agree this has to be something your DS is actively looking to embrace. If not, then wait and reconsider at 16.