About The Vocational Day School

Our Story - Why we founded the school

The Vocational Day School grew out of long-held belief that talented young dancers deserve a route that bridges mainstream schooling and full time professional-level training. Families told us they wanted more than weekly classes but weren’t ready for children to leave school for a full-time vocational school away from home. In early 2025 we created a focused, one-day-a-week programme (Fridays, 9 am – 3 pm) that allows pupils to remain in their current school (or home-schooling) while accessing six concentrated hours of high-level coaching. From the outset the aim was clear: nurture artistry, strength and confidence without compromising academic progress.

Qualified Faculty & Guest Mentors

Resident teachers

IDTA-qualified
Royal Ballet School Inspire trained
Acrobatic Arts M2 trained
Hold current safeguarding and first-aid certifications
Many also hold a BA Hons Dance Degree, have well known performance credits, and share a passion for mentoring the next generation. All faculty are regularly attending CPD courses and events to maintain the most up to date industry training.

Industry guests
Each half-term we invite respected performers, choreographers and examiners—ranging from commercial backing-dancers to classical ballet soloists—to deliver workshops. These sessions connect students with real-world practice and emerging trends.

OFSTED-Registered Premises

Training takes place at our Peterborough studios: purpose-built, fully sprung floors, mirrors, barres and acro equipment. Registration with OFSTED means parents may use Tax-Free Childcare or childcare vouchers, and it guarantees rigorous health-and-safety and safeguarding oversight.

Specialised Programmes - Tailored to Individual Goals

We place pupils into one of three training cohorts, determined by age, experience and technical level.

All students participate in classical ballet, modern jazz / jazz tech each week with a rotational timetable of additional styles and opportunities alongside.

Examinations & Achievement

IDTA & Acrobatic Arts exams offered annually, with 100 % pass rate to date.
Progress reports each term, combining faculty feedback and self-reflection.
Regular communication with our VDS faculty and office to guide and support your dancers journey.

Preparing for Full-Time Study

For pupils considering full-time vocational colleges post-GCSEs or A-Levels, we provide:

Audition coaching – repertoire selection, CV/video advice and mock auditions.
Open-day guidance – support in short-listing suitable schools and courses.
Reference & portfolio assembly – official transcripts of exam results and teacher recommendations.

Join Us

We welcome applications from committed dancers aged 8–17. Entry is by audition—either in-person on Fridays or via video submission, supported by exam certificates or principal references.

The Vocational Day School offers a nurturing yet demanding environment, purpose-built to help young artists thrive.

We welcome all dancers to come and view our studios and programme. Don't hesitate to get in touch.