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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
    All core staff are IDTA-qualified, Royal Ballet School Inspire trained, Acrobatic Arts M3 trained and hold current safeguarding and first-aid certification. Many also hold a BSc 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.

A Specialised Programme 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:

  1. Audition coaching – repertoire selection, CV/video advice and mock auditions.

  2. Open-day guidance – support in short-listing suitable schools and courses.

  3. Reference & portfolio assembly – official transcripts of exam results and teacher recommendations.

Join Us

We welcome applications from committed dancers aged 8–17 (as of 1 September 2025). 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.

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

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