Living the Dream

I have located a recommended hostel in Central London for ENBS at £6,800 per annum (which is for the 3 school terms), this includes breakfast and evening meal and also lunch on weekends, then on top of that is the DADA parental contribution of £1,275. Travel on buses in London is free of charge for students. I was told by the Finance Director at Elmhurst that they currently invoice DADA Upper School students £3,000 per term (£9,000 per annum). It's very expensive, even with a DADA at these schools but hopefully worthwhile in the end. LTD

ENBS students study for the first 2 years the Level 5 Diploma in Professional Dance awarded by Trinity College, London. On successful completion of the third year, students are awarded the Diploma in Professional Dance. This qualification is comparable in terms of the professional performance skills acquired by honours degrees and graduate diplomas. I hope this helps. LTD

There are quite a few very good home study A level courses available online. You get a tutor available online and also via the telephone, but you need to be focussed and follow the study plan. Be aware that you have to buy certain recommended books (dependant on the topic you choose) and also the exam entry fee is extra. Here are a couple of recommended sites: http://www.icslearn.co.uk/qualifications/a-levels.aspx http://www.oxfordhomeschooling.co.uk/course/a-level/ These courses are approx 18 months long and we have been advised by a current student at ENBS who is home studying 2 A levels that this is a lot of hard work after a full day at school and they recommended doing 1 at a time. I hope this information is useful. LTD

Hello Ribbons I have now posted in the new Post 16 thread. LTD

Hello follycat and welcome to this forum. I would definitely look at the advice given to me on this forum. I also believe that your DD is obviously very talented to have the choice of both schools, so where ever she goes she will excel. With regard to ENBS, you need to know if your DD is mature enough to live not in a boarding house in London but in either a flat or hostel. My DD has been living away from home since 11 and is very mature and capable of doing her own washing and feeding herself. Also do you want her to do A levels. At Elmhurst it's part of the curriculum, but ENBS you will need to home study or attend night school. Please feel free to PM me if you want more details. Good luck with your decision.

I just wanted to thank everyone who has commented on my post and offered very valuable advice. After long discussions regarding the pros and cons of each school, she has decided to accept ENBS. One of the main reasons is that she wants to be a purely classical ballerina and feels that the training at ENBS will be the best for her career. With regard to A levels, as they are not offered here, she has volunteered to study A levels home study as a compromise, as we are all fully aware that an injury could occur at any time and put an end to a ballerina's career and you need a back up plan. I would recommend to anyone thinking of auditioning for Upper Schools for September 2013 to be very well prepared (I thought I was, but it has been more stressful than I could have ever imagined), have plenty of wine at hand and also to ask advice of the very knowledgable people on this forum. Thank you all. LTD x

Thank you glowlight and your have just put a smile on my face and also good idea to look at employment rates, I will be looking at these tomorrow. Off to fetch my footballing son now LOL.

I will and thank you to everyone who has commented on my post. I have never done this before, so was a bit nervous in case no one responded to my question.

Thank you 2dancersmum. I think you are right, she will know what is right for her, although as a parent my concern is accomodation. ENBS it's hostels or flats and Elmhurst it's boarding house for first year, but really all she wants to know is which will be best for her training.

Not sure how long she has to decide as DD has the letters and forgot to ask.

If you haven't heard today, you should hear either tomorrow or the day after at the latest.

Thank you Lildancer96 and not sure which way to go, hence my post. It's going to be a very difficult decision, but ultimately I think it will be her decision.

Hi Lildancer96, yes my DD has been offered places at both schools. She's at full time vocational school at the moment and has been there for 5 years (since Year 7).

Good luck to your DS and thank you for your input.

Thank you JulieW your comments are very helpful. I was interested in what was going to happen once Desmond Kelly was no longer Artistic Director of Elmhurst, but I believe Robert Parker will be excellent for the school and hopefully create better links to BRB.

With such knowledgable people on this forum, I would like to ask your advice and opinions on the training offered by English National Ballet School vs Elmhurst Upper School. Thank you for your help in anticipation. Living the Dream

I believe there are currently 15 girls, of which 5 are international and 10 boys, of which 2 are international in the current Year 11.

I have spoken to Elmhurst today and the letters are ready to be posted either today or tomorrow at the latest. Not long to wait now.