Founded early in the 20th century as a girls' school, but co-educational since 1972. Elmhurst gradually evolved to its present position as a centre for training in dance with an international reputation. It became the Associate School of Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2002 and moved from Surrey to Birmingham in 2004. Here is has new, state-of-the-art facilities on a 5 acre campus in Edgbaston. The school is basically C of E but other denominations are welcome. Services are held in the chapel. A full academic programme for GCSE and A-levels is provided. The main vocational emphasis is, of course, on dance, drama and singing. A highly qualified staff give instruction on all aspects of dance. The school has a number of large modern studios. Classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance, jazz, tap as well as Spanish and national dance are taught. Music and singing are important to school life. The three-year sixth-form dance course in classical ballet and contemporary dance leads to the National Diploma in Professional Dance. Computer skills and vocational qualifications for occupations other than dance are also offered. Financial help for dance pupils is available through the government Music and Dance Scheme and through the Dance and Drama Awards (DADAs).

Pupils: Total age range 11-19; 186 pupils, 26 day (6 boys, 20 girls), 160 boarding (26 boys, 134 girls). Entrance: Main entry age 11; selection by dancing audition.

10 pa aided places for pupils aged 11 years (through the government Music and Dance Scheme). 20 pa National Dance Awards (DADAs) for students aged 16 and over.

Principal: John McNamara, in post from 1995. Educated at the universities of Birmingham (drama) and Nottingham (English). Previously Director of Drama at Marlborough, Chief Examiner for A-level Drama and Theatre Arts and Senior Lecturer at Chester College. Artistic Director: Mary Goodhew. Artistic Advisor: David Bintley, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet.

GCSE: Average of 26 pupils in Year 11: 80% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 49 (over 5 years). A-levels: 15 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 170.

All sixth-form leavers go on to professional careers in the theatre and media, as dancers, actors, choreographers and performers in musical theatre.

Range of GCSE, selected AS and A-level subjects. Vocational: Work experience available. All pupils take vocational qualifications: vocational dance training (accredited by Trinity College London); RSA Stages 1 and 2 in typing, in word processing and in core text skills. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research. 26 computers for pupil use (6 hours a day), majority networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take text production skills in Year 7, GCSE business and communication systems in Year 10/11, and office and administration skills in the sixth form.

Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include 2 choirs, orchestras. Drama and dance: Both offered. GCSE and A-level dance and drama. RAD, ISTD exams may be taken; CDET accredited sixth-form course in ballet and contemporary dance. All pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE, 10 AS and A-level.

Sport: No organised games; physical development through vocational dance training. Activities: Some pupils take Duke of Edinburgh's Award during school holidays.

Supportive pastoral system is used to address most disciplinary problems. Parental involvement is encouraged in resolving problems.

Fiona Fullerton, Jenny Agutter, Fiona Lummis, Hayley and Juliet Mills, Dame Merle Park, Jennifer Jackson, Tracy Childs, Sarah Brightman, Helen Baxendale.