Why take an exam?
Exams give dancers a clear goal and help them recognise their progress. ISTD exams are regulated by Ofqual in England.
Vocational-level exams can carry UCAS points. Exams are encouraged but not compulsory at LLDS.
Progress with purpose
Dance Exams
ISTD exams give dancers a goal to work towards and a graded result from an ISTD examiner.
How a dancer reaches an exam
LLDS follows the ISTD syllabus in Ballet, Modern Theatre and Tap. The syllabus gives training a safe, age-appropriate structure, while exams offer an optional milestone to work towards.
From class to exam
Build skills
Regular classes develop secure technique and confident performance.
Invitation
Miss Lovick and the class teacher agree when a dancer is ready.
Prepare
Candidates use weekly classes, BAND resources and any extra coaching.
Perform
Dancers complete the exam, receive a result and celebrate at Prize Day.
What families need to know
When are exams held?
Dance exams at LLDS take place twice a year, during the Autumn and Spring terms.
What does an exam cost?
There is a studio entry fee plus the ISTD's own examination fee. Internal assessments carry a studio charge. The amount is confirmed with you when your child is entered.
What happens after an invitation?
We plan exam sessions one or two terms ahead. First, we tell families that their child is progressing towards an exam. Once the options and criteria are confirmed, parents complete an agreement form covering preparation and expectations.
Candidates then join the exam BAND, where exam work is posted to support their weekly classes.
When will my child be ready?
Readiness is agreed by Miss Lovick and the class teacher. Candidates take the exam in small groups without their teacher in the room, so they must be comfortable performing the exercises on their own.
60+Training hours
Recommended for Primary and Grade 1
150Training hours
Recommended at Intermediate vocational level
Regular attendance matters. Missed classes can mean an exam is postponed or extra private coaching is needed. Please check holidays and other commitments before you confirm.
Grades and marking
| Grade | Marks | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 80 to 100 | High to extremely high achievement |
| Merit | 60 to 79 | Good to very good achievement overall |
| Pass | 40 to 59 | Satisfactory to fairly good achievement overall |
Dancers receive a graded mark sheet. Certificates and awards are presented to candidates on stage at the annual Prize Day.
ISTD examiners train regularly for consistency. Dance is still a performing art, so some variation between examiners is possible.
Start the journey
Exams come later. Every dancer begins with a three-week trial in the class that suits them best.