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.
July 2026 Exams, Awards Ceremony & Payment Dates
To be updated
March 2026 Exam, Awards Presentation & Payment Dates
To be updated
December 2025 Exams, Awards Ceremony & Payment Dates
To be updated
Recorded Exam Submissions
If your child is unable to attend the scheduled exam date, or if the teacher has suggested that your child is not ready to take their exam due to absences, we may recommend submitting a recorded exam. Please note, this option is only available under certain circumstances and should not be considered as an alternative to attending the live exam. Alternatively, your child can take their exam at the next available exam session.
Exams cannot be filmed during regular class time. Parents will need to book a private lesson with the Principal and teacher, at a cost of £30 for the private session and administration, to have their child’s exam recorded and submitted to the examiner. This option ensures that your child can still complete their exam while adhering to the required standards for submission.
Examination Timetable
The official timetables will be released following the payment deadline, to avoid too many changes.
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: 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: 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: 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 a later date or 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: What if my child or I am sick on the day of the exam?
If either your child or you (as the parent/guardian) are sick on the day of the exam, please inform us as soon as possible by contacting the studio. We will require a doctor’s certificate to reschedule the exam or offer a refund of the exam fee. Alternatively, we may suggest postponing the exam to the next available exam session or consider a recorded exam submission if appropriate. Our priority is ensuring your child has the best opportunity to succeed, while accommodating any unforeseen health issues.
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: 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: 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 are late to the exam session, it may not be possible for your child to participate. Exams are scheduled in strict time slots, and we will not hold back other students to wait for late arrivals. If you miss your time slot, your child may need to take their exam alone later in the day if we can fit them in, or we may suggest a recorded submission if that’s not possible.
FAQ: What time should I arrive for the exam?
We advise arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to ensure your child is prepared and ready. 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 time.
FAQ: What if I forget items of my exam attire?
It’s crucial that your child has all required attire for the exam, as we cannot 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 uniform: https://www.base-dance.com/uniform
FAQ: When will my child receive their exam feedback and award?
Your child will receive their exam feedback and award at the Exam Awards Ceremony, 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 Ceremony, your child's feedback and award will be available for collection from the welcome desk after the ceremony.
FAQ: How can my child practice at home for their exam?
To support your child's exam preparation at home, we will provide a link to subscribe to view practice videos, nearer to the exam time.
FAO: Do I need to let you know if my child Isn’t taking the exam?
Yes, it’s essential to inform us if your child will not be participating in the exam. This allows us to adjust the schedule accordingly and avoid any unnecessary delays on the day.
It also helps with planning the group sizes and ensuring that all students have the best possible exam experience.
Please let us know by emailing info@base-dancce.com
