Ballet dancers jump for joy at GCSE and A-Level results

Thursday August 22^nd 2024

Elmhurst reflects on another successful year for its GSCE and A-Level examination results.

In 2024, students move from Elmhurst’s Lower School to Upper School with the following GCSE success: For six of our GCSEs, we achieved a 100% pass rate at Grade 4 and above (equivalent to A* to C in the former grading system). Of those who took English Language and Literature, all passed at Grade 4 or above, and 82% of students achieved overall Grades 4 and above.

In addition to their daily dance training, most Year 10 and 11 students take five full GCSE courses in the core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and Science (Double Award). Three further subjects are selected from Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Drama, Music, Geography, History, Religious Studies and GCSE Dance.

The GCSE success follows the news that Elmhurst’s sixth form students achieved 93% pass rate (A* to E) in their A-Levels. There was a 100% pass rate for 3 out of the 4 A levels, and 60% of students achieved overall A* to C grades. A-Level studies are completed before students move into their final year with Elmhurst Ballet Company to bridge the gap between school and professional life.

Elmhurst’s A-Level students enjoy being taught by passionate subject specialists. Students can choose from: Art, Geography, English Literature, and Mathematics. In Years 13 and 14, students have the opportunity to take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with one student achieving an A* this year. Students can select a subject of their own for a one-year research project. This qualification is highly regarded by universities and can help students pursue academic study alongside their dance career and beyond. Elmhurst recognises that A-Levels complement and enrich the school’s vocational training. In the event of a career cut short by injury or a change of aspiration, they constitute a reliable insurance policy and, if desired, a pathway to undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Jessica Ward, Principal of Elmhurst Ballet School, said: “We are thrilled to see our GCSE and A Level students achieve so highly in their recent exams. These excellent exam results represent the truly incredible hard work and efforts of all our students. Although their dance training schedule is extremely busy, these results stand up against students nationally. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved and send huge congratulations to all students receiving their exam results this summer.

Elmhurst is non-selective academically and only admits students based on their potential to become professional ballet dancers. Year on year we continue to enjoy exam success, and this is down to the sheer hard work and dedication of the students and their teachers. These results will ensure that our students have the best possible options available to them moving beyond their GCSEs and A-Levels and onto the next steps in their lives, whether that is staying with us here at Elmhurst or moving on elsewhere. We look forward to supporting them all in their next steps.”

Academic tuition at Elmhurst is delivered by an experienced faculty of well-qualified, specialist teachers. This aspect of Elmhurst’s work is as important as the school’s vocational dance offer. Form tutors monitor the progress and welfare of each student, and pastoral care is provided through an extensive network of academic, boarding, and vocational staff. Internal academic assessment takes place throughout the year and parents receive regular written reports and attend annual parent-teacher evenings for each year group.