Kat09

Hi IBD23 yes they do indeed visit the other vocational schools (RBS included) I guess the reality is that not all pupils will remain in situ and there will be some movement between establishments for those that are either not successful in their original school or would like to move for whatever reason. If you have a child at the school already feel lucky - much less rushing around for you than for non vocational applicants during the preliminary auditions.

From ENBS prospectus ..."As the official school of English National Ballet,we enjoy a strong relationship with the company.At present our graduates make up one third of the company's dancers." there is also a quote from Tamara Rojo "I am proud to be the Artistic Director of ENBS and am looking forward to continuing the strong relationship between the school and the company." You are right Moneypenny,the school isn't attached but they work closely with the company as RBS does with the company and Elmhurst with BRB ..... unfortunately there are no guarantees whichever school you train in.

Hi rede - well good luck for next year - lots on here will be very generous with their knowledge,advice and support.

At RBS and Elmhurst current year 11s auditioned alongside external applicants at finals (I believe they had their own prelims and ENBS visited the other schools to assess them for places at finals) Many were successful and hence very few places available to external applicants especially at RBS who had also already confirmed places for some overseas candidates and then took a large number of their (very talented) year 11 pupils.

Having done the audition circuit with my DD this year I can confirm that there were overseas students in attendance at all the schools that we went to. Indeed Elmhurst,RBS,ENBS and Central all hold auditions abroad as well as in the UK and welcome application via audition. These schools all recognise that they are on an international stage and of course students from overseas bring an income for the school as well as their talent.Without funding, the schools not offering a degree programme have fees which will exclude many UK students - well done to all with offers it is a very tough year!

Hello Rede my daughter and one of her friends will be starting at ENBS in September Do you have a DC who will be joining them?

tutugirl I have sent you a PM

ENBS tuition fees are £17000

Good luck to your DD Chaperone and to everyone else that will be there x

Chaperone I totally agree with what you say but I think you hit the nail on the head when you say "not just notching up exams", because while this shows technical ability I don't feel it allows the young dancer to explore and progress and develop the all round faculty which helps the dancer achieve success at 16 when auditioning for vocational schools. This is of course only my opinion and it's lovely to hear what others think.

Dancing 10 - I can also understand your frustration - my DD was one of the younger ones last time she participated in the Genee Challange and she didn't win,however she was inspired by taking part and loved every moment - it wasn't the winning that mattered. I think that all the children taking part should be applauded and the winners within each level congratulated . RAD make the rules not the dancers - perhaps we should discuss whether it is a good idea to push our young DC through the RAD grades and then find them up against older pupils at the competition rather than just let them enjoy their dancing and progress at a steadier pace.Many children study multiple grades,my dd is one of them.

Level 3 was for those not having passed Intermediate and under 16 on 1st Jan 2014

Thank you anaballerina - she loved meeting you. I hope you enjoyed the whole experience. x

My daughter had a wonderful 2days - thank you to the RAD organisers,wonderful venue.

If you look at their website you will see that they have had success at the Genee and have Alumni at ENB amongst other places. In the third year they tour in China so you get some great performance experience - there is a thread running so check it out and good luck

Good luck for your waiting list at Rambert - have you contacted Ballet Wes?they have a great programme and audition across the Upper School age range - i believe auditions are ongoing. Best wishes.

SBallerina if you read through the Upper School threads you will see that many of the UK schools welcome 18 year olds to audition for their diplomas/degrees - have you applied for entry anywhere this year? Echoing others responses,I have a friend in Sydney and her DD will be heading to the UK to complete her dancing studies - there is a lack of opportunity for dance related work there.

Good news Pastel - fingers crossed the place will be realised for your DD xx

Hurrah for your daughter macnatt - what lovely news for her to wake up to - isn't it so nice when the wait is over! Delighted for you and your DD x

London SAs this year have offers at ENBS,Elmhurst,Rambert,DADA@Tring,Central,Ballet Theatre UK and Laines (that's the one's I know of) Well done to all of them - a fantastic achievement from a great bunch of girls!!

MAs and SAs - all not offered a place to SWL

Sorry to hear your news MIAS hope your DD not too upset x

Well done to your DD Jazzpaws - SO happy for you and her x

It's a selected waiting list for us

Hope it's good news irishballetmom