Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions or queries regarding Recognised Schools please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Why has the Council introduced it?

  To ensure students, parents and all concerned with pre-vocational dance and musical theatre education are able to make a clear and informed distinction between schools which follow the Council's nine Requirements of sound professional practice and those which do not.

• What's in it for dance students, their parents and carers?

  Confirmation that the schools at which they enrol have publicly declared themselves to adhere to the nine Requirements of a Recognised School

• What's in it for pre-vocational dance schools?

  Public confirmation of their commitment to sound professional practice and clarity as to what constitutes a basis for sound professional practice.

• What happens if a school fails in its adherence to any of the nine Requirements of RS?

  A student or parent may approach the school via its customer service policy with concerns based on the written commitment the school has given. Complaints regarding Recognised Schools must be addressed to the school in question and the Council will not be responsible for dealing with complaints. Where a complaint is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant s/he may wish to notify the Council which shall be entitled to take the complaint into account at the next application for renewal of the school’s Recognised status.

• If I am a member of one of the Council's member dance teaching societies, why do I need RS?

  All dance teaching societies have different membership requirements. RS is a national standard available across the sector and open to members of all dance awarding bodies and teaching societies. A school holding RS will be seen to confirm the quality of its resources irrespective of the teaching society to which it belongs.

• Who is eligible to apply for it?

  Any qualifying dance or musical theatre school catering for pre-vocational or non-vocational dance or musical theatre students.

• What is a dance or musical theatre school?

  For the purposes of the mark a dance or musical theatre school is deemed to be any qualifying individual or group of individuals working on a regular basis with an identified group of students in one or more hired or owned premises.

• How much does it cost?

  £100 per year renewable annually.

• What is QCA?

  QCA is the acronym for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the regulatory body that maintains and develops the National Curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations and accredits and monitors qualifications in colleges and at work. Website: www.qca.org.uk.