RAD · ISTD · Acrobatic Arts
Exams & pathways
The Village School of Dance is a registered school for dance examinations. Clear pathways help students progress with confidence.
Cadence
Examinations every three to four terms
Examinations in modern, tap and ballet are taken every three to four terms. The school has celebrated a strong record of success, including a 100% exam pass rate noted on the archived About page.
If your child is entered for an exam, you will be told your exam date. Contact us if you have not received it.
RAD
Royal Academy of Dance
Classical ballet
Ballet lessons follow the RAD syllabus, promoting the English classical style from early grades through advanced training, with pointe work as students progress.
ISTD
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
Modern / jazz and tap
Most modern and tap classes follow the ISTD syllabus, with some free work where the school has developed its own format.
Acro
Acrobatic Arts
AcroDance
Acro classes follow the Acrobatic Arts syllabus for Junior, Intermediate and Senior groups, blending tumbling skills with dance performance.
“I can't praise The Village School of Dance highly enough. My daughter has been attending classes for 8 years and absolutely loves them. She's reached high standards in ballet, tap and modern, has pointe shoes and can dance in them and has had excellent results in ISTD and RAD exams whilst still having fun. Now at the top end of the school and the end of the graded syllabi we look back at her time in the school and say thank you to Katherine and all the other teachers - it's been special!”
Registered & approved
Preparing for exams
Extra exam coaching and private lessons are available when needed. Useful handbooks and entry information are shared with families as exam season approaches.
For examinations, the school collects children's full names, date of birth, ethnicity classification and any SEN requirements, provided to RAD or ISTD at the point of entry. See our privacy page for how that data is handled.
Pointe and higher grades
Pointe work forms part of classical ballet training and from Grade 6 onwards is an integral part of students' exams.
Archived prerequisites include being at least 11 years old, Grade 4 or above, and attending at least two ballet classes plus a pointe work class each week, so every dancer is ready and safe.
Dance, nurture and inspire!
Ready to join our dance family?
Find a class that fits your week, or get in touch and we will help you choose the right starting point.