An Overview of our dance exams at Base Dance Performing Arts Academy
At Base Dance Performing Arts Academy, we offer NPAA-regulated exams, which are nationally recognised in dance, drama, and musical theatre. The National Performing Arts Alliance (NPAA) provides a structured and accredited syllabus through organisations such as GQAL and OFQUAL. This external validation ensures that the training your child receives meets high educational standards, offering a clear pathway for progression in performing arts.
For students at higher levels, such as Grades 6, 7, and 8, these exams come with the added benefit of earning UCAS points, which can support university applications. This gives students a practical advantage if they wish to pursue performing arts at a higher education level.
Schools that do not offer regulated exams may lack this external validation, which is crucial for maintaining consistent training quality. The NPAA framework ensures that your child receives a well-rounded, industry-standard education, with their progress regularly assessed by qualified professionals.
Additionally, only teachers who are members of accredited organisations like NPAA are qualified to enter students for these exams. This guarantees that your child’s learning is guided by experienced and certified professionals.
This approach allows us to provide a supportive and structured environment for your child to grow both in skill and confidence, with clear goals and recognition of their achievements along the way.
Why Take Exams?
Taking exams not only develops technical skills and provides recognised qualifications but also gives students a clear goal to work toward. Studies show that children are more likely to commit to their extracurricular activities when they have a specific goal in mind. Exams offer a structured pathway for students to demonstrate their improvement and build confidence as they progress.
Successfully completing an exam allows students to advance to the next level, providing them with motivation and a sense of accomplishment. This ongoing progression encourages regular participation, making them more likely to stay engaged in their activity and develop a long-term passion for dance.
How Exams Can Propel Your Career
Taking dance grades can significantly enhance your career in the dance industry in several ways:
Structured Learning and Skill Development: Dance grades provide a clear, progressive framework that helps dancers systematically develop their technique, musicality, and performance skills. Each grade level introduces more complex movements and artistic expression, giving dancers a solid foundation for both performance and teaching careers
Recognition and Qualifications: Completing dance exams, provides formal qualifications that are recognised internationally. These qualifications not only demonstrate proficiency but are often required for teaching positions, whether in schools, studios, or private dance academies
Career Opportunities: Dance grades are essential for dancers pursuing professional paths, such as teaching, choreography, or performance. For instance, having advanced dance qualifications opens doors to teaching certifications like the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education, allowing you to teach and mentor others. Moreover, they serve as a prerequisite for further education in dance-related fields, including degree programs and postgraduate studies
UCAS Points and Further Education: Higher-level dance grades (e.g., Grades 6, 7, and 8) can contribute UCAS points, which are valuable when applying for university courses.
Overall, taking dance grades provides formal recognition of your abilities, enhances your skills in a structured way, and opens up numerous career pathways, including performance, teaching, and further academic opportunities in dance.
December 2025 Exams, Awards Ceremony & Payment Dates
Exam Dates: Sunday 7th and Monday 8th December 2025
Participating classes/genres
- All Acrobatics classes (excluding Tumbling) (selected students)
- Tots Early Years/Reception - Ballet&Tap
- All Street/Commercial Dance Classes
- All Jazz Classes
Exam Payment Deadline: Sunday 16th November 2025
To celebrate all their hard work, we’ll be holding our Exam Awards Presentation, a lovely community event to recognise and reward each dancer’s efforts and achievements on Sunday, 11th January 2026
Please arrive 20 mins before awards begin.
🕑 Session 1
For: Jungle Jigglers, First Steps, Foundation Level 1, Foundation Level 2 awards: Awards Begin: 3PM
🕓 Session 2
For: All other awards
Awards Begin: 5PM
Sibling/Multiple Exams Note
If your children are participating in both sessions, or your child is in multiple levels across both sessions, and you'd prefer their awards to be presented together in one session, please let us know in advance. We'll do our best to accommodate your family's needs.
March 2026 Exam, Awards Presentation & Payment Dates
To be updated
July 2026 Exams, Awards Ceremony & Payment Dates
To be updated
Examination Timetable
The official timetables will be published after the payment deadline to ensure stability and avoid excessive changes.
The Exam Timetable will be sent exclusively to participating students.
Recorded Exam Policy
Recorded Exam Policy
If your child is unable to attend the scheduled exam date, or if the teacher has advised that your child is not yet ready to take their exam due to absences or other factors, we may recommend submitting a recorded exam.
Please note that this option is only available under certain circumstances and should not be considered an alternative to attending the live exam.
Alternatively, your child may take their exam at the next available exam session.
1. Filming Conditions
Exams cannot be filmed during regular class time. This is to ensure the recording meets the required standards for submission and does not disrupt group lessons.
2. Private Recording Session
Parents will need to book a private lesson with the relevant teacher to record the exam.
The cost for filming session will vary depending on the exam length and content, which covers both the private lesson and administration required for submission to the examiner.
3. Submission Standards
All recorded exams must meet the exam board’s technical and performance requirements.
4. Alternative Option
If a recorded exam is not suitable, students will be invited to take their exam at the next available session.
This policy helps maintain the integrity of the exam process while offering flexibility for genuine circumstances.
Late Exam Payment Policy
Late Exam Payment Policy
To ensure our exam sessions run smoothly and all candidates are correctly entered with the exam board, all payments and forms must be submitted by the stated deadline.
1. Payment Deadlines
Exam fees and registration forms must be submitted by the published deadline.
This deadline allows sufficient time for timetabling, administration, and examiner confirmation.
2. Late Payments
If a payment is received after the stated deadline, and administration for the exam session has already been completed, late entries may not be accepted.
Where it is still possible to add a student, a £10 administration fee will apply to cover the additional processing time required to re-open exam paperwork and update the exam board’s records.
3. Confirmation of Acceptance
Late entry requests must be emailed to info@base-dance.com
Acceptance of any late entry is not guaranteed and will depend on whether the dancer can be fitted into the timetable without affecting the timings for other candidates, and whether the exam board has closed administration on their side.
If the session cannot be amended, students will be offered a place in the next available exam session.
4. Communication
Parents or guardians should contact the studio promptly by email if payment cannot be made by the deadline, to discuss possible arrangements before the cut-off date.
No-Show & Sickness on Exam Day Policy
No-Show & Sickness on Exam Day Policy
To maintain fairness and ensure all exams run smoothly, it is essential that students attend at their scheduled exam time and communicate promptly in the event of illness or absence.
1. Attendance Requirement
All candidates must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled exam time to allow for warm-up and registration.
Failure to arrive on time may result in the candidate being unable to take their exam.
Please note that children are entered into exam sessions alongside other students. Out of common courtesy and respect for their peers, it’s important that all dancers attend and are ready at their allocated time so the group can proceed smoothly.
2. Sickness or Emergencies
If your child is unwell on the day of their exam, you must inform us before their exam time via text or WhatsApp on 07958 346 854.
This allows us to notify the examiner and determine whether alternative arrangements (such as rescheduling or a recorded exam, if permitted) can be made.
Evidence such as a doctor’s note may be required for the exam board to consider any reschedule or credit.
3. No-Shows Without Communication
If a candidate does not attend their exam and fails to communicate before their exam time, the entry will be treated as a no-show.
In these cases, the full exam fee will be forfeited, and no refunds or transfers will be issued.
4. Communication
Please ensure all absence notifications are sent by text or WhatsApp to 07958 346 854 before the scheduled exam time.
Messages sent after the missed exam cannot be accepted as notice.
Thank you for helping us ensure exam days are respectful, fair, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Attendance and Preparation
Attendance and Preparation
Why is attendance important?
Consistent attendance is essential for your child’s exam preparation. Each lesson builds on the last, helping dancers develop confidence, technique, and understanding of their exam work. Missing lessons can make it difficult for them to feel fully prepared and confident on the day.
If your child has missed several classes, their teacher may suggest extra support, such as a private lesson or deferring the exam, to make sure they are ready and have the best possible experience.
FAQ: Can children with additional needs receive special considerations for dance exams?
Yes, the NPAA offers special considerations for children with additional needs. If a child has a condition or disability that could affect their exam performance, the principal can apply for special consideration. This may include adjustments to the exam environment or assessment criteria. To apply, the principal would need to submit a special consideration form, along with any relevant medical documentation, prior to the exam date. The form should explain the reason for the request and how the candidate might be affected. The examiner will review the application and may adjust the candidate’s marks if necessary, to ensure fairness.
FAQ: Who will be present during my child's dance exam?
There will be an external examiner present to assess your child’s performance. A teacher from BDPA will also be in the room to play the music and assist with logistics. Additionally, depending on the age of the children, the teacher may also be allowed in the room as a demonstrator for certain exams.
FAQ: Why do dance exams cost what they do?
Dance exams involve several factors that contribute to their cost. Unlike school exams, which are typically government-funded or covered by public education, dance exams are privately funded. This means that all associated costs must be covered by the fees paid by participants.
FAQ: My child cannot take their exam on the scheduled exam day, and I do not want to submit a recorded exam. What will happen next?
Your child can take their exam at the next available exam session. However, please note that the exam content may no longer be covered in regular lessons by that time. If this is the case, your child will need to book private lessons with their teacher in the lead-up to the next exam date to ensure they are fully prepared.
FAQ: Can I watch my child’s dance exam?
No, parents are not permitted to watch their child's dance exam. The exam environment is designed to be focused and distraction-free, allowing the examiner to assess each student without external influences. We appreciate your understanding and support in maintaining this professional atmosphere.
FAQ: What if my child gets overwhelmed or upset and doesn’t complete their exam on the day?
If your child becomes overwhelmed or upset and is unable to complete their exam on the day, we will handle the situation with care and sensitivity. In most cases, we can offer the option to postpone the exam to the next available exam session. Alternatively, if appropriate, a recorded exam submission can be considered. Our priority is to ensure the experience is positive and supportive for your child.
FAQ: Is it mandatory for my child to take the dance exam?
While it’s not mandatory for your child to take the dance exam, we strongly encourage participation. Exams offer a valuable opportunity for your child to demonstrate their progress, build confidence, and receive formal recognition for their hard work. Skipping the exam could mean missing out on important feedback and the sense of achievement that comes with moving up to the next level.
FAQ: Do they do the exam alone?
No, students do not take the exam alone. A maximum of 4 candidates will go into the exam session together. This small group format allows each student to perform individually while still being part of a supportive environment. An external examiner will assess their performance, and a teacher from BDPA will be present to play the music and assist with the process.
FAQ: What if I am late to the exam session?
If you arrive late to the exam session, it may not be possible for your child to take part. Exams run to a strict timetable, and we cannot hold back other students to wait for late arrivals.
If your child misses their time slot, we will do our best to accommodate them later in the day if space allows. In some cases, this may mean taking the exam alone. If that isn’t possible, we may suggest submitting a recorded exam instead. This will follow the Sickness on the Day Policy to ensure fairness across all candidates.
No-Show & Sickness on Exam Day Policy
To maintain fairness and ensure all exams run smoothly, it’s essential that students attend at their scheduled exam time and communicate promptly in the event of illness or absence.
1. Attendance Requirement
All candidates must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled exam time to allow for warm-up and registration.
Failure to arrive on time may result in your child being unable to take their exam.
Children are entered into exam sessions alongside other students. Out of courtesy and respect for their peers, please make sure your child arrives on time and ready so that the group can proceed smoothly.
2. Sickness or Emergencies
If your child is unwell on the day of their exam, you must inform us before their exam time via text or WhatsApp on 07958 346 854.
This allows us to notify the examiner and explore whether alternative arrangements (such as rescheduling or a recorded exam, if permitted) can be made.
In some cases, a doctor’s note may be required for the exam board to consider a reschedule or credit.
3. No-Shows Without Communication
If a candidate does not attend their exam and we receive no communication before their exam time, the entry will be treated as a no-show.
In these cases, the full exam fee will be forfeited, and no refunds or transfers will be issued.
4. Communication
Please ensure all absence notifications are sent by text or WhatsApp to 07958 346 854 before the scheduled exam time.
Messages sent after the missed exam cannot be accepted as notice.
Thank you for helping us ensure that exam days are fair, organised, and enjoyable for all students and teachers involved.
FAQ: What time should I arrive for the exam?
Participants must arrive at the time stated on the timetable to allow for preparation and check-in. Once your child’s exam is completed, you are free to leave.
FAQ: How will I know what time my child's exam is?
The exam timetable, with specific times for each student, will be released after the final payment deadline. Please refer to this timetable for your child's exact exam/arrival time.
FAQ: What if I forget items of my exam attire?
It’s crucial that your child has all the required attire for the exam, as we are unable to provide replacements or allow purchases on the day. If any items are forgotten, your child may not be able to participate in the exam. This includes appropriate clothing, footwear, and hair accessories.
Please follow this link to view the uniform requirements:https://passiondancewear.co.uk/collections/bdpa-uniform-bundle-packs-everything-you-need-one-easy-pack
FAQ: When will my child receive their exam feedback and award?
Your child will receive their exam feedback and award at the Exam Awards
Presentation, which will be held after the exams. This special event is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside their peers and the wider community.
FAQ: What if I cannot make it to the Exam Awards Ceremony?
If you are unable to attend the Exam Awards Presentation, your child’s feedback and award will be available for collection from the welcome desk after the ceremony. It is your responsibility to collect these items, as they will not be kept in the classroom.
FAQ: How can my child practice at home for their exam?
To help support your child’s exam preparation at home, please speak directly to your child’s teacher if you’d like to arrange a private lesson for filming. During this private session, the teacher can go through the exam content one-to-one, giving your child the opportunity to be recorded for practice purposes.
Please note that teachers are unable to provide recordings of regular classes, as other children are present and we must respect their privacy. Additionally, teachers often have back-to-back lessons, so it isn’t possible to use class time for filming.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we help each dancer feel confident and ready for their exam.
FAO: Do I need to let you know if my child Isn’t taking the exam?
As teachers, we do need to know if your child will not be taking part in the upcoming exam. This helps us plan group sizes, organise the timetable, and make sure every student has the best possible exam experience.
Please be courteous and let us know if your child won’t be participating, as it avoids confusion for the children and ensures teachers aren’t given mixed messages.
If payment is not made by the deadline, we’ll assume your child will not be entering the exam.
If your child is unable to attend the exams days, please speak to us as soon as possible. In many cases, we can arrange for your child to complete their exam another way, for example, through a recorded submission or at a later session — so that they still have the opportunity to take part.
To confirm your decision or discuss options, please email info@base-dance.com
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
