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Last reviewed: January 2026 · Rankings and key information above update regularly, however, this review below is refreshed bi-annually and may not reflect recent changes. If you spot anything outdated or inaccurate, please let us know.
Elmhurst Ballet School is not an ordinary secondary school. It is a vocational training ground for the next generation of professional dancers, closely associated with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Located in purpose-built facilities in Edgbaston, it serves around 200 students aged 11 to 19 who balance intense artistic training with academic study. While many schools claim to be unique, Elmhurst truly is; students here are selecting a career path as much as a school, training with professionals to join companies worldwide.
The atmosphere is defined by disciplined passion. At drop-off, the energy is palpable; students move with the posture and focus of athletes. The connection to the Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) is the defining characteristic of the school's identity. The Artistic Director, Robert Parker, is a former Principal of BRB, and the school acts as a feeder for the company, though graduates join troupes globally.
Ms Jessica Ward has served as Principal since 2010, providing stability on the academic and pastoral side, while Parker drives the artistic vision. The ethos is professional from Year 7. Students are treated as young artists, expected to manage physical fatigue, complex schedules, and high expectations.
The campus, opened in 2004, was designed specifically for dance. It features seven professional dance studios, a 250-seat theatre, and a specialist health and wellbeing centre. The environment is modern and functional rather than historically grand, focused entirely on performance and physical care.
Balancing vocational training with academics is the central challenge here. Students spend hours in the studio daily, reducing available classroom time compared to mainstream schools. Despite this, GCSE performance is strong.
In the current GCSE data, the school ranks 554th out of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes and 9th in Birmingham on the local secondary ranking (FindMySchool ranking). This places it in a strong national band, though the figures should be read in the context of a small specialist cohort and a curriculum built around dance training.
At Sixth Form, the focus shifts heavily toward the Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance. Consequently, A-level data reflects a smaller academic cohort and the intense demands of the diploma. Ranked 1,532nd out of 2,549 schools in England for A-level academic outcomes, the school sits around the lower edge of the national middle band. In the 2025 A-level data, 40% of A-levels were graded A*-B. Families should view these statistics in context; for an Elmhurst student, success is often defined by a contract with a dance company rather than A-level grades alone.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
44.83%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is a dual-track system. In the Lower School (Years 7-11), students follow a full academic timetable alongside vocational training. The dance curriculum focuses on classical ballet, supported by contemporary dance, jazz, and national dance.
In the Sixth Form, the "Elmhurst Ballet Company" bridge year allows Year 14 students to tour and perform, simulating professional life. Teaching in the vocational department is delivered by former professional dancers, providing industry-standard expertise. Academic teaching is supportive, with small class sizes helping students catch up on work missed during performances or intense training blocks.
Unlike mainstream schools where university is the primary goal, Elmhurst measures success by professional contracts. Alumni dance with Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and international companies from Tokyo to New York.
The school also supports university progression for those changing paths. While only 6% of the 2024 cohort progressed immediately to university, this figure is typical for a vocational school where employment or conservatoire training is the priority. The school manages career transitions carefully, acknowledging that professional dance careers can be short or impacted by injury.
Entry is by audition only and is fiercely competitive. The school looks for physical potential, musicality, and performance quality rather than just prior training.
The process typically begins with a preliminary audition in January, followed by a final audition in February or March for those shortlisted. Academic ability is assessed to ensure students can cope with the dual curriculum, but dance potential is the deciding factor.
Applications usually close in the autumn term prior to entry. Parents should check the specific deadlines on the school website early, as the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) funding application process runs in parallel.
Physical and mental wellbeing are integrated. The Health and Wellbeing Centre is a standout facility, staffed by nurses, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches. This "prehabilitation" approach aims to prevent injury before it happens.
The boarding houses provide a home for the majority of students. House staff understand the unique pressures of vocational training, from dietary requirements to the emotional highs and lows of casting and performance. The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school Outstanding in all areas, praising the exceptional support systems.
Extracurricular life is dominated by dance, but the school ensures breadth. Saturday morning activities and Sunday outings for boarders provide necessary downtime.
Students perform regularly in the school theatre and at external venues. The summer shows are professional-standard productions often attended by company directors.
The "Elmhurst in the Community" programme sees students delivering workshops in local primary schools, developing teaching skills alongside performance.
Students are encouraged to create their own work, with annual choreography competitions fostering creative voices, not just technical excellence.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, fees are structured by school phase. Lower School (Years 7-11) boarding fees are £27,600 per year, while day fees are £21,534. For Upper School (Years 12-14), boarding fees are £29,751 per year and day fees are £22,317. Note that fees are quoted excluding VAT; families should verify the latest tax implications directly with the school.
Crucially, most families do not pay full fees. The school is part of the government's Music and Dance Scheme (MDS), which provides means-tested grants to cover tuition and boarding costs for eligible UK residents. DaDA (Dance and Drama Awards) funding is available for Upper School students.
Fees shown exclude VAT. Fees are quoted excluding VAT
The school is located in Edgbaston, close to the University of Birmingham and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. It is easily accessible via Birmingham New Street station, a short taxi or bus ride away. The school day is long, often extending to 6:00 pm or later for rehearsals. Wraparound care is effectively built into the schedule for day students.
Elmhurst Ballet School remains one of the premier vocational schools in the world. It suits the single-minded, talented dancer who wants professional training closely linked to a major ballet company. For the right child, it offers an unparalleled pathway to the stage; for the undecided, the intensity would be misplaced.
Yes. It was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in October 2023. A subsequent ISI inspection in January 2025 confirmed that all standards were met. The school combines elite vocational training with academic results that place it in a strong national band for GCSE academic outcomes.
For 2025/2026, boarding fees are £27,600 per year for Lower School and £29,751 for Upper School (excluding VAT). However, many UK families receive significant financial support through the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS), which is means-tested.
Entry is extremely competitive. Hundreds of applicants audition for a small number of places each year. Selection is based on physical facility, artistic potential, and musicality rather than prior experience.
Yes. Students can take A-levels alongside their Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance. However, the range of subjects is narrower than at a standard sixth form due to timetabling constraints and the demands of vocational training.
The core training is classical ballet, but the curriculum is versatile. Students also train in contemporary, jazz, and national dance to ensure they are employable in a wide range of companies, not just classical troupes.
Yes. The school is fully co-educational and has a strong reputation for male dance training, with specific classes focused on male technique and pas de deux.
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