Elmhurst Ballet School

Since 2010, Jessica Ward BA NPQH. A rare, if not unique, breed, combining first-rate experience in both professional dance and school management. No wonder Elmhurst snapped her up. Laban trained, she went on to work for the Laban dance company before

Entrance entirely via balletic ability. There’s a three-stage audition process (although overseas students only do the last stage, via filmed submissions if necessary). Applicants should also expect physiotherapy screenings. All students will have

Around two-thirds leave after GCSEs. Some don’t pass the sixth form audition, others leave of their own accord to go to dance schools offering a different curriculum, eg Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, Central School of Ballet, English

In 2024, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. In 2023, 24 per cent A*/A at A level (47 per cent A*-B).

A recognition that you can’t dance forever, however talented you are, helps drive students to give it their all in the classroom, not just in the dance studio. Principal adds that students increasingly ‘get that it’s important not to have all your

Has improved – ‘It needed to,’ said a parent. A part-time SEND lead now assesses all students and there are links with an educational psychologist. Dyslexia and perfectionist traits most common. Support for EAL also on offer, and English exams are

The reason youngsters come here. Leotard-clad students fill the multiple dance studios, and even to the untrained eye the talent, energy and determination are evident. It’s not for the fainthearted – this is a demanding training for the most gifted

While the likes of touch rugby are clearly not advised, Elmhurst isn’t too precious about its students doing contact sports, accepting that ‘kids will be kids’. No sports fields, but the multi-use games area gets regular use, especially for

All but 12 students were boarders when we visited. Most describe themselves as ‘accidental boarders’, in that it wasn’t the game plan. Probably explains why we heard so many tales of homesickness. Mixed views from parents on how well the school deals

It’s no secret that the world of ballet can be gruelling, but health and wellbeing are no by-products here – they are the core of everything. You hear it in the genuine warmth and mutual respect between staff and students, and you see it in the

Students are thoughtful, mature, chatty and good company. Many feel finally able to be themselves, now that they are doing what they love among like-minded people. Parents can be quite intense. Desperate for their children to succeed, they can be

Given that the fees include all the specialist ballet tuition, they are reasonable. Many UK families are able to take advantage of two government-funded, means-tested bursary/scholarship schemes: music and dance scheme (MDS) for those aged 11 to 16

Almost impossible for wannabe dancers not to fall in love with this unique ballet school – and most do. It’s not just the top-notch ballet tuition and purpose-built facilities, but the focus on wellbeing, the invaluable partnerships and the