Exams
Taking exams is an important part of a childโs dance development. Whilst not compulsory we encourage students to take exams as it provides them with a goal to work to in their classwork, reinforces the importance of discipline and gives them, their parents and teachers a measure of their progress. Exams are also one of the first chances that a child has to perform outside of the class environment.
Exams taken for Ballet, Modern and Tap and are held three times a year usually once each term. LAMDA exams are held throughout the year at varying times and will be advised by the teacher.
Each student progresses through the examination process based on their individual ability and their readiness to take the exam. Students in a grade group differ in age and development and therefore their ability to master the curriculum varies.
Exam Preparation
The teachers monitor the childrenโs progress to ensure that they have reached the necessary standard before taking their exam. By following this system it ensures that each student is able to maximise their potential and have the confidence to complete their exam successfully. As part of the preparation for Ballet, Modern and Tap Exams, students will be required to attend exam practice classes in addition to their normal classes.
The exam syllabus includes dance sections specific to each dance that are not taught in class and these need to be prepared. Normally each student will attend a minimum of three exam practices, however this may vary. If you are unsure of the exam practice process, please contact your teacher via Sharon Manders.
Our Results
Since 2008 JSTA pupils have takenย over 3450 graded exams in Ballet, Modern, Tap and LAMDA.ย 79% of the results have been Distinctions.
| Overall since 2008 | TOTAL EXAMS | DISTINCTION | MERIT | PASS | FAIL | MARKS 90+ |
| RAD BALLET | 1449 | 76% | 24% | 0% | 0% | 7% |
| ISTD MODERN | 964 | 81% | 19% | 0% | 0% | 4% |
| ISTD TAP | 819 | 82% | 18% | 0% | 0% | 21% |
| LAMDA Acting (Since 2005) | 231 | 79% | 21% | 0% | 0% | 17% |
JSTA Graded Exam Results. To monitor the continuing standard of our school and help prospective parents assess the quality of the school’s teaching compared to other schools, we have collated our results each year since 2012 by discipline indicating the percentage of Distinctions received at examination.
| ย | Percentage of Pupils Achieving Distinction Grade | |||
| ย | Ballet | Modern | Tap | Lamda |
| 2024/2025 | 78% | 82% | 98% | 100% |
| 2023/2024 | 61% | 86% | 78% | 80% |
| 2022/2023 | 83% | 90% | 91% | 50% |
| 2021/2022 | 68% | 68% | 75% | 80% |
| 2020/2021 (Entries severely restricted due to Covid) | 65% | 82% | 71% | N/A |
| 2019/2020 (Entries severely restricted due to Covid) | 73% | 93% | 100% | N/A |
| 2018/2019 | 71% | 86% | 73% | 93% |
| 2017/2018 | 79% | 85% | 97% | 86% |
| 2016/2017 | 71% | 96% | 89% | 57% |
| 2015/2016 | 75% | 74% | 92% | 87% |
| 2014/2015 | 82% | 80% | 93% | 83% |
| 2013/2014 | 81% | 78% | 79% | 88% |
| 2012/2013 | 78% | 77% | 89% | 93% |
Where next?
After completing their training at JSTA and their โGCSEโ or โAโ Levels, many pupils progress to the top vocational theatre colleges to continue their training. Many former pupils are now working in the West End, touring theatres at home and abroad as well as working in TV and Film.
To find out more about where our students have gone click here
