Examinations structure

Grades

Aiming to build up progressively, ensuring that steps and skills learned at lower levels prepare for more complex movements as the candidate progresses.

Grade Examinations may be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial methods), Modern Theatre, Tap, National Dance, Classical Greek, Classical Indian Dance, Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Disco Freestyle and Classical Sequence.

Grades 1-6 are accredited by Ofqual, but some Faculties have additional Grades prior to Grade 1, that is, Pre-Primary and Primary.

Class examinations

Class Examinations may be taken in Classical Ballet (Cecchetti and Imperial methods), Classical Greek and Modern Theatre.

Medal tests

These tests may be taken in Modern Ballroom, Latin American, Sequence, Disco Freestyle, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Country and Western, Classical Greek, and National. 

The levels progress from Under 6, Under 8, Social Dance Test, Pre-Bronze Dance Test, to Bronze, Silver, Gold, Gold Star and higher awards for Dancesport medals. Not all levels are applicable to all genres, please contact the appropriate dance faculty directly for further details.

Vocational grades

The Vocational Grades are accredited by Ofqual and include Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2. 

These examinations form a cohesive bridge between grade work and professional examinations to provide the basis for either a career as a dancer or further training as a dance teacher. Some Faculties offer other types of qualifications other than those mentioned above so please refer to individual syllabi for full details.

Teaching and professional qualifications

Focused on delivering ISTD Associate, Licentiate, or Fellowship teaching qualifications which give prospective dance teachers a solid grounding in the skills and knowledge needed to teach dance in a safe environment.

For more information about our teaching qualifications and professional qualifications, please visit the teaching qualifications page here.

Other

Some of our Dance Faculties offer other types of qualifications other than those mentioned above. Please refer to individual syllabi for full details.