EXAMS & ASSESMENTS
We offer exams in RAD ballet from Year 5 and ISTD modern from Year 2 to those who are interested but they are not compulsory
We offer in-house ballet assessments from Reception to Year 5 to allow students to experience an exam setting as they work through the grades and prepare them well for the full exam should they choose to take them once they reach Year 6.
In-House Assessments
These are run by our own school. The students study the same syllabus and are entered for the in-house assessment; they are allocated a time slot on a different day from their usual class. They are entered in small groups and present their work in an exam setting at our studios in Upper Rissington in front of an industry professional who will examine the students and award them a mark accordingly. All students who take an assessment are awarded a medal, certificate with feedback.
The certificates and medals are given by our school, not by the RAD.
The In-House Marking System
This is slightly different as we don't want the children comparing with the RAD exams.
45-54 = Pass and a bronze medal.
55-74 = Commended and a silver medal.
75 and over = Honours and a gold medal.
Pre Primary and Primary are given a certificate and bronze medal with no individual marks.
For the pupils who do not wish to take a full or an in-house assessment, they will move up to the next grade with the rest of the class. We tend to keep pupils dancing with their year group where possible.
RAD Ballet Exams
The RAD exams are run by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and the examiner is sent out by the RAD.
Due to the level of accuracy required and the volume of syllabus to cover, we ask pupils to undertake 2 ballet classes a week if they would like to take the full exam. We advise that students take assessments up to and including Year 4. From year 5 upwards we ask the pupils to attend weekly Masters classes which focus on further strengthening their technique. Students in Year 5 upwards will be working towards their Grade 3. For more information regarding Masters classes please see the 'Masters Classes' page: 
http://www.sheilapricedance.co.uk/masters-classes
The higher exams earn valuable NVQ and UCAS points equivalents.
Here is a breakdown of the UCAS points offered for RAD exams: https://www.royalacademyofdance.org/exams/attainment-bands-from-january-2022/
Exam Results
RAD marks are awarded and medals given as follows:
Result classification | Total marks | Medal classification (graded exams only |
Standard not attained | 0 – 39 | n/a |
Pass | 40 – 54 | Bronze |
Merit | 55 – 64 | Silver |
High Merit | 65 – 74 | Silver |
Distinction | 75 – 84 | Gold |
High Distinction | 85 – 100 | Gold |
Most pupil take an assessment or exam every 18 months or sooner.
All pupils will need to provide the correct attire for their exams: leotard relevant for their grade; character skirt; character shoes; tights or socks (as required). All items are available on our uniform page.
