When will my child be ready for an exam?

Students are not entered for exams annually. 

The Royal Academy of Dance have recommended hours a week in which must be completed before your child can take a Ballet exam.

If you would like you child to be entered into exams then please do consider that they will need to be doing 2 classes a week especially leading up to exam time. They also will need to be practising at home.

Example of an exam entry expectation for RAD Primary Ballet

Primary Ballet (45 MINUTE CLASS) = 50 classes BEFORE THEY CAN TAKE AN EXAM.

How does this look termly? (Based on a 10 week term)

Autumn Term = 10 classes

Spring Term = 10 classes

Summer Term = 10 classes

Autumn Term = 10 classes

Spring Term = 10 classes

This means 15 months of being in the same Grade/level. 

Please also take into consideration that every 2 years we do a Dance show in a big theatre!  If you would like to continue training for your exams then private lessons will need to be booked. This is because show rehearsals take part in class time.

Why is my child younger than others in the class?

Exams are not taken by age. Students are invited to take exams by the Principal. We have a 100 % pass rate at the Academy and we want all students to have the best experience. Therefore it is important that you trust your HMAD teachers and listen to when we think your child is ready. Thank you. 

My child has just moved up to the next level but has not taken an exam why is this?

Your child has not completed the recommend hours advised by the RAD.

Your child has joined the Ballet class later than other students in the class. Therefore they are not ready to take an exam.

After we have prepared  and performed for our shows (17 weeks of rehearsals = 1 term and a half) We will assess the students to make sure they are ready to move up to the next level.

After a show we feel it is much better to move students up to the next Grade instead of doing another 2 terms in their previous Grade.

It is important that when you join our Academy you make the team aware that you are very interested in your child taking exams and that it is important to you.

We appreciate that not all students wish to take exams and we want to assure you that they are optional and not necessary. However we highly recommended they take part for their development and progression.