finallygotthere

Personally I would say get your GCSE's out of the way first if your DD is vaguely academic. The exam boards will be different and so she may be a serious disadvantage. She may need her GCSE's in the future, especially Maths and English (I expect she will have already done some coursework in year 10 for English Language - not transferable between boards). As you said, it would only be after a term of voactional school (should she get in) that she would audition for 6th form,plus remember vocational schools get longer hols!!! I have heard of others experiences of moving into year 11 at vocational school, and it doesn't gaurantee a 6th form place at all. It would be terrible to 'throw away the academics' (a bit strong, but it is possible) on the hope the place continuing. However if your DD is NOT at all academic maybe try? Makes her feel good about something when everyone is talking about all their A*'s! Fx

Hi, Tring Park do a boys dance day in May I believe (call them they are very approachable). My son did this several times when he was younger and they were great for boys to be with like minded boys. They do a ballet class, jazz and possible tap. They have some male teachers do a question and answer session which is helpfull too. At lunch time the boys dash outside and play football! For the Saturday/evening classes they usually put boys together if possible, e.g. a grade 1 and a grade 2 boy may be put in the grade 2 class so that they are not the only ones was my experience. They also do a boys scholarship on the Boys dance day. Check out the website. Unfortunately he'll have to get used to being one of the few, but it does have many advantages! Also check out doing English Youth Ballet productions as they always select a small group of boys and that was an excellent experience - plus being taught by a man combined with talks on dance belts etc, which sorted out the whole 'issue' as it came from a 'proper' male dancer. I hope you find something. Fx

My DS applied late as wanted to move from his vocational school to one with boys only ballet classes (he wanted a classical focus). We applied after Easter when he was in year 7 and managed to get an MDS for Sept Yr8. A girl auditioned at the same time and was similarly successful (from a diffferent original school). If they think your child may have potential, most schools will always consider them, if for some 'good' reason you missed the initial audition dates and have NOT applied before for previous years. We avoided the nightmare wait that way! He auditioned and was told of the outcome on the same day. Never underestimate the rollercoaster ride though. My DS now does not dance at all, he never regrets his decision to start or then to stop, but he decided after a few years the life was not for him. Remember your child may change their mind, despite being ballet mad for years. A shock at the time, but he made the right, and a brave choice - I know that now! Always worth a try is my motto - whatever you want to do. Good luck to you all. Fx

Hi, my father was an insurance broker and we looked into this when DS was at vocational school. The cheapest and best option is the one the school opts into (if you are attached to one). If not school plans are the best value. it's a minefield. All the best. Fx