What it's like

Established in 1917 as a dance school, the school introduced performing arts studies and has since grown to offer a complete academic programme alongside specialist dance, drama and music provision. The specialist performing arts students, who mostly go on to join companies or teach, can also take A-levels. Initially a girls' school, it then accepted boys in the specialist performing arts programme and is now co-educational throughout. It is a small, caring school where students are encouraged to work together and be considerate to others both in school and in the community outside. In addition to dance and performing arts, a broad, balanced curriculum is offered together with a range of sports. Assisted places are available through the government Music and Dance Scheme and Dance and Drama Awards (DADAs).

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 11-18; 225 pupils, 151 day (43 boys, 108 girls) 74 boarding (27 boys, 47 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 11, 16. Own entrance exam; audition for specialist dance, drama, music pupils only. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (including sixth-form subjects ), dance or drama audition.

Scholarships & bursaries

3+ pa scholarships at 11, value 20% of fees: 1 each for academic, drama, music. Bursaries for sixth-form drama students. Aided places through the government's Music and Dance Scheme and some DADA places.

Head & staff

Head of School: Maggie Evans, appointed 2008. Previously Director of Studies at Elmhurst School for Dance
Teaching staff: 8 full time, 33 part time. Annual turnover under 1%. Average age 45.

Exam results

GCSE: 22 in Year 11: 85% achieved grade C or above in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 12 in Year 13. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 130.

Pupils' destinations

Pupils stay at the school for their A-levels and/or the Diploma in Professional Dance (DPD) or BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts (acting). Most go on to join dance companies, work professionally, teach or go to university.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 11 subjects offered. Vocational: Work experience available; also RSA qualifications, DPD. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Approx 20 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), most networked and with email and internet access. All take ICT in Years 10-12.

The arts

Music: Specialist music lessons and instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, orchestra, instrumental groups, vocal training. Drama and dance: Drama, dance and music offered as specialist subjects. Majority of pupils involved in school and other productions. Art and design: On average, 22 take GCSE, 4 A-level. 3D design, textiles, photography also offered. Several students accepted on foundation or degree courses in art and design each year.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, rounders, athletics, gym, dance. BAGA exams may be taken. Activities: Fund-raising for many local charities, pupils encouraged to get involved. Up to 5 clubs, eg explorers, music, art.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses for sport. Prefects, head boy/girl, elected by staff and Year 11. Religion: Church of England. Attendance at religious worship not compulsory. Social: Musical events and sporting fixtures with other local schools. Biannual trip abroad (eg to Normandy, Netherlands). Meals self-service.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a discussion with their teacher; those caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect suspension, possibly expulsion, depending on the circumstances.

Boarding

Separate boys' and girls' houses for lower school within close proximity to school and city centre. Sixth form pupils lodge locally and are overseen by an accommodation and welfare officer.

Former pupils

Claire Smith (Miss Great Britain); Errol Pickford (Royal Ballet); plus many dancers.