Dance exams during school day

[OneDandyPoet]

My child has been given a date for their latest graded dance exams, an extra curricula activity, out side of school. It’s during a school day. My question is, obviously I will let the school know, but is this kind particular absence usually approved by the school, or would it be considered as an unauthorised absence? What if they refuse? If so, would I do in that situation? Just tell them she will be going to her exam regardless?

I should think it will be authorised

My school authorises these if attendance is otherwise fine and I give evidence of the exam date.

We would authorise providing the child had generally good attendance.
It would be a poor school that didn’t authorise an activity that helped the child become a well rounded individual.

They allow absence for music exams so I don't think this would be any different.

We’ve just refused a similar request however for a child wh has had two term time holidays in the last 12 months and has sub 80% attendance.

Our dance school gives us a template letter from RAD to attach to the absence request. School has always authorised 👍

Many thanks. But if, for whatever reason they were to say no, but she went to the exam anyway, what would be the potential consequences of that?

It would just go down as unauthorised. As long as you don’t have more than 10 half days unauthorised in a rolling 10 week period nothing further should happen.
you might get a letter saying attendance has dropped.

Like a letter, confirming exam date and time etc ?

Dd missed school every year for multiple music exams and special events, never was questioned and didn't affect her attendance (if anything it helped attendance as she got a full day attendance by being at a music event whereas she rarely made it through the day in school, asd.). She's a professional musician

Your dance school should have a standard letter you can give school. I also forward them a copy of the exam timetable and they are perfectly happy.

Nothing like that with us. Only last academic year, they had a few days off for a serious foot injury, and then a couple of days for Norovirus. No days off this year. Do you think that could count against us getting this approved?

The 2 exams would be over 1 full day, so that would be one full day out of school. So if they do refuse,(hopefully they won’t) on the day I would just call to say that she will not be attending as she will be attending these exams, and that’s it?

I've taken my children out for the odd day for a holiday (very rarely) and I never ask permission, I just tell them it's happening and why and they I appreciate it will be unauthorised. Thankfully mine have very good attendance otherwise and are rarely sick.

So if they refuse permission, just tell them you will be taking the time anyway.

I would hope the school is sensible about this, sorry I cannot offer any more insight.

We never had any issues taking time off for dance exams and competitions (mainly due to differing school holidays across county borders). Worth bearing in mind that UCAS points are awarded for higher level dance exams too.

People say about UCAS points, but these are only beneficial for courses that enter on points not grades, and that also don't say eg 'from A levels or T levels or BTECs'.

DD had her performing arts exams always marked as educated off site.
There were dance exams, singing exams, acting and MT ones. She also appeared in a national your production with some of it in term time that was also marked as educated off site.

Our school authorises dance competitions, exams and licensed performances (like if she gets a role in a stage show etc).