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What are ISTD Examination Centres?

They are designed for teachers who may not have a suitable venue of their own, who prefer the convenience of a centralised hub, or who have a lower volume of exam entries or live in remote locations where an examiner cannot routinely be scheduled. 
ISTD currently offers two types of examination centre: 

  • UK Regional Examination Centres – established hubs operating throughout the year 
  • International Examination Centres – a new model launching in 2026, bringing examinations, CPD and masterclasses to key European regions

Both models ensure a professional examination experience, improve access for teachers, and support long‑term planning for schools - particularly those who cannot host examinations independently. 

 

Athens International Examination Centre 2026 


The Athens centre provides teachers across Greece, Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean and wider European regions with a reliable annual location for examinations and professional development. 

Benefits of the centre:

  • Greater flexibility and advanced scheduling 
  • International exam dates are often limited or arranged at short notice. The Athens centre provides early, guaranteed dates, enabling teachers to plan their calendar with confidence. 
  • A fully equipped examination venue 
  • Perfect for teachers without the space or facilities to host exams independently. The centre offers a consistent, high-quality environment that meets ISTD standards. 
  • A regional hub for growth 
  • The centre supports teachers from across neighbouring countries, helping build a stronger local network and community of dance educators. 

ISTD plans to expand this model across additional European regions. The next International Examination Centre is planned for Bari, Italy in 2027, with further locations to follow as teacher clusters grow and demand increases. 

Exams, CPD and masterclasses in one place 

In addition to Examinations, Athens offers an entire CPD and student masterclass weekend, providing: 

  • Skill building CPD for teachers 
  • Direct interaction with ISTD faculty 
  • Observation opportunities 
  • Enriched learning experiences for pupils

Find out more about CPD courses in Athens

 
 

Who should use an International Examination Centre? 

  • International Examination Centres are ideal for teachers who: 
    • Don’t have a large enough studio or enough exam entries to host their own session 
    • Want predictable, annual exam dates in their region 
    • Prefer a local alternative to travelling to the UK 
    • Are preparing candidates for graded or vocational exams 
    • Would benefit from combining examinations with CPD and masterclasses 
    • Want to connect with a growing regional ISTD teaching community 

How to register for examinations based in centres 


Information on registering candidates for International Examination Centres can be found via Quest. 
For updates on the Athens 2026 International Examination Centre, please contact: internationalteachers@istd.org  
 
Find out more about our International Representative for Europe, Carole Watson.