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Exam Boost sessions form an important part of the examination preparation process and are compulsory for all examination candidates.

These small semi-private coaching sessions allow teachers to:

• Provide more individualised corrections and support

• Run a mock examination

• Help students become comfortable with the exam format and expectations

• Practice exercises and routines as they will be presented in the exam (solo or in small groups) with the other children in their exam set and help the group as a whole feel more prepared

• Identify any final areas needing attention before the exam

They also help students practise the full examination experience, including correct uniform, hair and presentation.

If a student is unable to attend their scheduled Exam Boost session for any reason, including illness or other absence, a replacement private lesson must be booked before the examination can take place.

This ensures that all candidates still receive the required final preparation, mock exam experience and individual feedback before exam day.

Please note that if a replacement private lesson is not booked following a missed Exam Boost session, the student may no longer be able to participate in the examination, even if examination fees have already been paid and submitted to the examination board.

As examination fees become non-refundable once entries have been submitted, missed examinations due to incomplete preparation requirements are unlikely to be eligible for refunds or credits.

Occasionally, teachers may recommend additional private coaching if they feel a student would benefit from more focused support before the examination.

This may be due to:

• Missed classes or absences

• Confidence or anxiety

• Difficulty retaining exercises or choreography

• Technical corrections needing additional attention

• Preparing for higher-level examinations

Private lesson recommendations are never intended as punishment or criticism and are always made to help students feel more secure, confident and properly prepared.

Solo private lesson fees are currently:

• 30 minutes: £45

• 40 minutes: £50

• 60 minutes: £75

• 1 hour 15 minutes: £95

Small group semi-private lesson fees are currently

• 30 minutes: £25

• 40 minutes: £30

• 60 minutes: £55

• 1 hour 15 minutes: £75

Private lessons booked within 14 days of the examination date incur an additional £10 late booking surcharge.

Home practice can make a huge difference to confidence, retention and exam readiness, particularly as students move into higher grades.

However, practice does not need to be long or stressful to be effective. Short, regular revision sessions are often much more beneficial than occasional long practices.

Helpful approaches may include:

• Watching and dancing along with practice videos together

• Listening to exam music in the car

• Practising small sections at a time

• Keeping practice positive and low-pressure

• Praising effort and consistency rather than perfection

If none of these approaches are helping, it may be useful to have gentle but honest conversations around effort, responsibility and preparation. As students get older, it becomes increasingly important for them to understand that the amount of preparation put into something often impacts how confident and successful they feel during the experience itself.

Our goal is always for students to enter their examination feeling secure, prepared and proud of the work they have put in. Students who do very little practice at home may sometimes feel more anxious, overwhelmed or disappointed during the examination process, particularly if their expectations do not match their level of preparation.

If home practice is becoming a significant struggle, please speak to your child’s teacher so we can help support both you and your child in finding strategies that feel realistic and manageable.

Families are responsible for ensuring students arrive with the correct uniform and shoes.

While teachers may occasionally have limited emergency spare items available, this cannot be guaranteed and should not be relied upon.

We strongly recommend checking all uniform items several days before the examination.

No, all candidates must arrive at the exam venue with their hair already done in the correct style. Please ensure you have checked your exam confirmation email for the correct style, and practiced several times before exam day. Hair tutorials can be found on the Uniform & Grooming page of the Exam Hub here.

Yes. For RAD ballet examinations, the RAD provides a school absence letter which can be downloaded from the Exam Hub.

Please note that schools make their own attendance decisions and absence approval cannot be guaranteed.

RAD ballet examinations are usually held at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in Battersea, London.

ISTD modern and tap examinations are usually held at the ISTD headquarters in East London.

Full venue addresses and travel information can be found on the Venue Information page within the Exam Hub.

Exam Boost sessions usually take place during term times on a weekday afternoon/evening at our Prentis Road venue, unless otherwise stated within the exam invitation email. Occasionally we may need to schedule them on a Sunday.

Families will always receive confirmation of the boost session date, time and location well in advance. If you have unmovable scheduling clashes, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can try, where possible, to reschedule the session for the all candidates in the same exam set.

We would not normally invite a student to participate in an examination unless we genuinely believed they were likely to be ready by the exam date, so we do not generally anticipate students failing their examinations.

However, if a student does not achieve the result hoped for, or receives lower marks than expected, we would carefully reflect on the factors that may have contributed to the outcome. This might include:

• Nerves or anxiety on the day

• Unexpected circumstances outside the student’s control

• Attendance and consistency

• Application of corrections and feedback

• Effort, focus and attitude during preparation

• The amount of at-home practice completed in the lead-up to the exam

Examinations are intended to be learning experiences as well as achievements, and we use feedback and results constructively to help guide future progress and preparation.

Students are not viewed as “failures,” and one exam result does not define their talent, worth or future potential as a dancer.

We would not usually hold a child back from progressing into the next class or level solely because they did not pass an examination, unless that particular qualification is required as a prerequisite for a higher-level examination pathway or vocational progression.

No. Examinations are only one part of a student’s dance journey and class progression decisions are based on many factors including age, maturity, technical development, confidence and overall readiness.

Students may progress through classes with or without examinations depending on their individual pathway and goals.

For RAD ballet examinations:

• Pre-Primary to Grade 1: Students are generally eligible for graded examinations while attending 1 ballet class per week

• Grades 2–3: Students are generally expected to attend a minimum of 2 weekly classes (this may be 1 ballet class plus 1 modern class)

• Grade 4 and above: Students are generally expected to attend at least 2 ballet classes per week due to the increased technical and physical demands of the syllabus

Students attending once weekly may still be invited to participate in Class Awards or Solo Performance Awards where appropriate.

Feeling nervous before an exam is completely normal and very common, even for experienced dancers.

The most helpful thing families can do is help keep the experience calm, positive and low-pressure.

You can help by:

• Focusing on effort rather than marks or medals

• Helping them feel prepared by encouraging consistent at-home practice.

• Avoiding last-minute criticism or panic

• Helping your child feel organised and prepared

• Encouraging regular rest, food and hydration

• Reminding them that exams are a chance to share what they have learned, not to be perfect

Teachers and examiners are experienced at supporting nervous children and helping them feel comfortable throughout the process.

We completely understand that children’s feelings and confidence levels can sometimes change during the exam preparation process, particularly as the examination date gets closer.

However, once examination entries have been submitted to the examination board, exam fees become non-refundable and non-transferable in almost all circumstances, as the fees are paid directly to the examination board and associated preparation, scheduling and coaching arrangements have already been made.

Before submitting entries, we encourage families to have open conversations with their child about the commitment involved in preparing for an examination, including:

• Attending classes consistently

• Participating in Exam Boost sessions

• Completing home practice where possible

• Continuing preparation even when feeling nervous

It is very normal for students to experience nerves or self-doubt before an examination, and in many cases children feel much more confident again once they continue attending classes and preparation sessions.

If your child is feeling particularly anxious or reluctant about their examination, please speak to us as early as possible so we can help support them appropriately and discuss the best next steps together.

Unfortunately, once examination dates and times have been confirmed by the examination board, changes or rescheduling requests cannot usually be made.

For RAD examinations, families are able to submit up to 2 “impossible dates” per child before entries are scheduled. These should only be used for situations where it would genuinely not be reasonably possible for the candidate to attend.

For ISTD examinations, available session dates are usually much more limited, and alternative dates are rarely available once bookings have been confirmed.

We strongly encourage families to prioritise examination attendance where possible. In most cases, the total time required at the venue is relatively short, and many other activities or appointments can still be attended either before or after the examination.

Please note that missed examinations due to optional activities, parties, non-essential appointments or scheduling conflicts are unlikely to be eligible for refunds or credits.

If your child is unwell on the day of their examination, please contact us as soon as possible.

Please do not bring a child to the examination if they are:

• Contagious

• Feverish

• Vomiting

• Physically unable to participate safely

Depending on the examination board and circumstances, it may sometimes be possible to apply for:

• A partial refund, or

• A transfer/credit of the examination fee for a future session

However, these decisions are made entirely by the examination board and are never guaranteed.

In most cases, examination boards require:

• Medical evidence or supporting documentation from a doctor

• Notification within a strict timeframe

• Completion of official forms where applicable

Any non-refundable administrative, venue hire, coaching or preparation costs still remain payable even if the examination board agrees to refund or credit part of the examination fee.

If a student misses an examination due to illness, families should contact us as quickly as possible so we can advise on the relevant procedures and documentation requirements for that examination board.

In many cases, yes. Both the RAD and ISTD have policies in place regarding reasonable adjustments and access arrangements for candidates with medical conditions, disabilities, injuries, neurodivergence or other additional needs.

Possible adjustments may include things such as:

• Extra time or rest breaks

• Modified examination procedures

• Adjustments for injury or medical equipment

• Alternative communication/support arrangements

• Consideration for neurodivergence, anxiety or processing difficulties where appropriate

Any adjustments must usually:

• Be requested well in advance of the examination date

• Be supported by appropriate documentation or professional evidence where required

• Be approved by the examination board

Please note that examination boards can only approve adjustments that do not compromise the integrity or assessment criteria of the qualification.

If you believe your child may require reasonable adjustments or additional support during the examination process, please contact us as early as possible before entries are submitted so we can discuss the available options and relevant procedures with you.

We are always happy to work collaboratively with families to help students feel as supported, comfortable and confident as possible throughout the examination experience.

We completely understand that examination costs can feel significant, particularly for families with multiple children or students taking several exams.

Dance examination fees often include much more than the examination itself. Depending on the exam type and board, costs may contribute towards:

• Examination board entry fees

• Examiner fees

• Venue hire and studio costs

• Music licensing and administration

• Scheduling and organisational costs

• Teacher preparation and coordination time

• Exam Boost coaching sessions

• Mock examinations and feedback

• Staff supervision and safeguarding on exam day

• Payment processing and administration systems

Many dance examinations also involve extensive preparation over a long period of time, including:

• Additional class planning

• Individual corrections and monitoring

• Administrative communication with families

• Timetabling and examination coordination

At Theative, we always aim to make examination experiences as supportive, organised and valuable as possible while keeping fees fair and sustainable for the level of preparation and care involved.

If families are concerned about examination costs or payment deadlines, we encourage you to contact us as early as possible so we can discuss possible options before entries are submitted.

In some circumstances, the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) may offer bursary or financial assistance schemes to help support eligible students with examination-related costs. Availability, eligibility criteria and application windows are determined directly by the RAD and may vary from year to year. Unfortunately, equivalent financial assistance schemes are not currently offered by the ISTD to our knowledge.

No. Parents and carers are not permitted inside the examination studio during examinations.

This is standard examination board procedure and helps create a calm, focused and consistent environment for all candidates.

Depending on the venue arrangements, families may either wait in designated waiting areas or leave and return at the estimated finish time.

Please allow plenty of extra time for travel, particularly when travelling into London or during peak travel times.

Examination schedules are carefully timed and examiners are often assessing multiple schools and candidates throughout the day. If a student arrives late, it may not be possible for them to enter the examination once it has begun.

In some cases, late arrival may result in the student being unable to take the examination, and rescheduling is usually not possible.

Missed examinations due to lateness are unlikely to be eligible for refunds or credits.

Pre-exam nerves are extremely common, even for experienced dancers and performers.

Children often feel much more anxious immediately before the examination than they do afterwards, and many students leave feeling proud, relieved and accomplished once the experience is over.

The most helpful thing families can usually do is:

• Stay calm and reassuring

• Avoid escalating panic or pressure

• Focus on effort and bravery rather than marks or results

• Trust the preparation process

Teachers and examiners are experienced at helping nervous children feel comfortable and supported throughout the examination process.

If a child becomes extremely distressed or unable to participate safely, staff will always prioritise the child’s wellbeing and discuss the best next steps with the family.

Examination recommendations are always made individually and are based on a wide range of factors including:

• Technical readiness

• Confidence and emotional readiness

• Attendance and consistency

• Focus and work ethic

• Ability to retain corrections and exercises

• Training frequency

• Overall examination preparedness

Different examination pathways exist because different students benefit from different types of assessment experiences at different stages of their development.

Being recommended for a different exam type is never intended to suggest that one child is “better” or “worse” than another. Every student progresses differently and examination decisions are made with the goal of helping each child feel as successful, supported and confident as possible.

This varies depending on:

• The examination board

• Group sizes

• Examination type

• Timetabling on the day

However, students are usually only required at the venue for a relatively short period of time compared to the full examination session schedule.

In most cases, the total time spent at the venue is unlikely to exceed approximately 2 hours, including waiting, warm up and examination time.

Families will receive more detailed timing information closer to the examination date where possible.

We recommend that students:

• Eat a balanced meal or snack before the examination

• Stay well hydrated throughout the day

• Avoid arriving overly hungry, dehydrated or tired

Try to avoid:

• Large amounts of sugary snacks immediately beforehand

• Heavy meals directly before the examination

• Trying completely new foods on exam day

A small snack (no nuts) and water bottle are recommended for the venue where appropriate.

This depends on the venue and waiting space available on the day.

Ideally, candidates should attend with one parent/carer only.

Where possible, we recommend limiting additional visitors, particularly during busy examination sessions, as waiting areas can become crowded and overwhelming for candidates.

Younger siblings should be supervised closely at all times and families are asked to help maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere for all students preparing to take examinations.

Yes. Examination candidates will usually receive:

• An official result from the examination board

• A certificate

• In some cases, medals or additional awards depending on the exam type and result

Results and certificates are typically received several weeks after the examination session has finished.

Families will be contacted as soon as results arrive and distribution arrangements have been organised.

Unless specifically instructed otherwise:

• No make-up

• No fake tan

• No glitter or body shimmer

• No coloured nail polish

• No temporary tattoos

Examination presentation should look clean, neat and professional while allowing the examiner to clearly see posture, alignment and facial expression naturally.

If your child becomes injured before the examination, please contact us as soon as possible.

Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, it may:

• Still be possible for the student to participate safely

• Be possible to apply for reasonable adjustments

• Require withdrawal from the examination

Any decisions regarding refunds, credits or transfers are made according to the policies of the relevant examination board and supporting documentation may be required.

Please do not encourage students to dance through injuries that may worsen or become unsafe during the examination process.

In some circumstances, yes.

Students may sometimes choose to repeat an examination in the future if:

• They were disappointed with their result

• They experienced significant nerves, disruption, or became ill during the examination

• Additional preparation time would benefit them

• A higher mark is desired for personal or vocational goals

However, repeating examinations is not usually necessary for the majority of recreational students and progression decisions are not based solely on examination marks.

Teachers will always discuss the most appropriate pathway for each individual student where relevant.

Not usually.

Class placement decisions are based on a combination of factors including:

• Age and maturity

• Technical development

• Confidence and emotional readiness

• Strength and physical development

• Attendance and consistency

• Overall class suitability

Examinations are only one part of a student’s dance journey and are not the sole factor used when considering progression between classes or levels.