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What it's like

Founded in 1911 at a church hall in Paddington, it now occupies a modern 9-floor block next to the Barbican Arts Centre on the edge of the City. There are 12 dance and 6 acting/singing studios, plus well-equipped classrooms. The Academy trains young people for professional careers in the media of theatre, screen, radio andtelevision. For secondary school pupils, the day is divided between traditional academic lessons and vocational classes. Academic classes are usually of under 18 pupils in mixed-ability year groups and are set within classes. The national curriculum is followed in standard subjects. Stage training classes in ballet, tap, modern, jazz, acting and singing are grouped across narrow age ranges according to grade and ability. Pupils are prepared for external exams set by the ISTD and LAMDA, as preparation for the Teacher's Associate exam. As part of their training, all pupils are represented by the Italia Conti Agency which organises auditions for professional work. At entrance, pupils are chosen on the basis of their potential for a professional career and their ability to cope academically. For students aged 16+, the Academy offers a 3-year course leading to the new National Diploma in Professional Dance; A-levels continue to be an option, so combining academic study with professional training in ballet, tap, modern dance, acting and singing. There are also 1-year performing arts and singing courses, and an acting degree course for students aged 18+. The Academy has trained a formidable number of well-known actors and actresses over nearly 90 years.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Age range 9-21; 230 day pupils (35 boys, 215 girls). Entrance: Main entry at 11 and 16. Own academic and vocational assessment. Dance, acting and singing talent looked for at entry; no religious requirements. State school entry 80%-90%.

Scholarships & bursaries

1 pa scholarship, full fees. DfES Dance and Drama Awards (DADAs) at 16. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; average 5 extras.

Parents

15+% in theatre, media or music.

Head & staff

Headmaster: Clifford Vote, in post since 1975. Educated at universities of New South Wales and London (economics, psychology and education). Previously taught in secondary schools in Australia. Also former prep school governor; CDET council member; ISA member. Teaching staff: 10 full time, 30 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 38.

Exam results

GCSE: On average, 16 pupils in upper fifth: 95% gain at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 47 (40 over 5 years). A-levels: Approx 10 in A-level class. Average final point score achieved 71. Other students taking diploma course.

University & college entrance

All leavers enter the professional theatre.

Curriculum

Vocational: Work experience available. Pupils prepared for ISTD ballet, tap and modern from grade 3 to Associate Teacher's qualification; LAMDA verse and prose and acting exams to Diploma level. For students aged 16+, the Academy offers a 3-year course leading to the new National Diploma in Professional Dance (Musical Theatre). Level 4 in National Qualifications Framework. Languages: French compulsory and offered at GCSE.

The arts

Music: Singing is taken by all pupils and students. Drama and dance: Both offered; pupils may take GCSE drama and dance, LAMDA and ISTD exams. All pupils involved in school productions. Large proportion of 16+ students leave with teaching qualifications in dance in addition to their skills as professional performers. Current and former pupils regularly take major roles in film, television and theatrical productions. Art and design: On average, 15 take GCSE.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn except in the sixth form. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Head boy/girl and prefects, appointed by the Headmaster; 16+ student year representatives by Principal. Religion: Inter-denominational. No compulsory religious worship. Social: Younger pupils travel to France for a week. Meals self-service. No alcohol or tobacco allowed.

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once would have an interview with the class teacher concerned, who would decide on the need for further action. Any pupil caught smoking cannabis on the premises might expect expulsion, depending on the overall circumstances (all students are warned on admission about drug taking).

Former pupils

Johnny Briggs; Naomi Campbell; Peter Duncan; Jill Gascoine; Olivia Hussey; Bonnie Langford; Millicent Martin; Nanette Newman; Anthony Newley; Anton Rodgers; Tracey Ullman.