We offer three options for performers who want to study dance full time;

Gap Year Diploma L3 - 1 Year

Extended Diploma (sixth form) L3- 2 year

Gap Year Foundation L4 - 1 Year

If you are passionate about a career in dance, as a performer, teacher or choreographer, apply now to join our one or two year options. Fully funded and totally free if you are 16-18 at the start of the school year, in addition to intensive training on your main qualification, you will take graded exams in your chosen dance form in year one, and can work towards an associate teaching qualification with IDTA in year two.

As well as your main college week (spread over three or four full days) you can opt to take part in our Jazz Company, Commercial Street Crew, Cheer squads, musical theatre and acting companies for free as well (evenings and weekends). And if that wasn’t enough - we work with two arts centres to place students in their large public shows at Easter, Summer and Christmas time - giving you loads of on stage experience in addition to college shows and events. The average student can audition to appear in 10 or more shows and events every year at Artemis College.

Year One (Diploma Gap year, and first year of Extended Diploma)

• Jazz Techniques

• Commercial Dance

• Contemporary Dance

• Ballet

• Tap

• Conditioning

• Hip Hop/Street

• Cheerleading & Gym (optional)

• World Dance

• Singing Techniques 

• Acting Technique

• Rehearsals for shows, competitions and events

• 1:1 Next steps and support clinic with a dedicated tutor every two weeks.

• Developing Skills for Live Performance (Acting Skills)

• Musical Theatre Technique

• Collaborative performance project 

• Agency applications

• Audition Technique

• UCAS application preparation including personal statements, and university course selections

• Study Skills

• Audition Techniques

• Graded exams (acting and musical theatre)

• Show Choir (optional with public performances)

• Jazz Company (optional, by audition, regional and national competitions)

• Vocational Grades - Each student will take a graded qualification in addition to their main qualification. If you already take grades in your dance school this is fine - we have a lot to choose from that you wont have done.

Throughout the year you will explore a range of dance styles as well as devise material for performances. You will explore skills in technique, developing an understanding of the style, structure and themes in dance performance. You will visit shows including West End performances - all paid for and part of your course!

Guest workshops;

We have former students who are at, or recently graduated from, performing arts universities come back and speak to current students about their course, and what to expect when you graduate. You can ask them anything!

We also invite friends of the faculty and graduates who are working as respected professionals in the industry to meet you and lead workshops - some of these events take place during school trips - especially in the West End.

Our students have had guest workshops recently with with West End Producer Paul Taylor Mills, principle cast from Hamilton, SIX, 42nd Street, Lion King, Hairspray and more. We are able to do this through our fantastic staff team who are still working on the stage and screen themselves.

Year Two - Extended Diploma

• Developing the Voice for Performance

• Jazz Techniques (Technique and Company for competition)

• Commercial Dance (technique and crew for competition)

• Contemporary Dance

• Ballet

• Tap

• Conditioning

• Hip Hop/Street (technique and crew for competition)

• Cheerleading & Gym (optional)

• Singing Techniques 

• Developing performance and production skills

• Rehearsals for shows, competitions and events

• Movement for Performance

• 1:1 Next steps and support clinic with a dedicated tutor every two weeks.

• Final Major Project (large show in a theatre for the public - in 2022 this will be Legally Blonde the Musical) 

• Employment Opportunities in the Performing Arts

• UCAS applications and support applying to HE

• Audition material selection and preparation for university, vocational higher training

• Study Skills (improving your coursework grades for written work, completing assignments and preparing you for university)

• Audition Techniques

• Graded exams OR IDTA Associate Teacher Qualification

• Show Choir (optional with public performances)

• Jazz Company (optional, by audition, regional and national competitions)

This is not an exhaustive list - there will be other unit options and classes above and beyond the main qualification requirements.

This course is included in the UCAS tariff

In addition to the main college week (timetabled core classes will run between Tuesday and Friday, 10am and 6pm), plus show rehearsal weeks, exams, trips and other activities.

During October half term, December holidays and Easter holidays - we have ‘Reading Weeks’. This is a chance for revision, catching up on coursework and 1:1 sessions with tutors in subject you need more support in.

Audition: You must pass an audition with our Head of Dance, demonstrating high skill in at least one dance style, with the ability to take direction and a keenness to learn multiple styles with us. You will also sing and act as part of the audition. Supporting video may be submit, and a recall may be required if we see potential but you have not danced well on audition day.

Academic: Minimum 5 GCSEs at grade A-C (4 or above) including Maths and English (or equivalent).

Aged 16-18 on 1st September. If you are older, you have the option to self-fund, this costs £4500 a year.

Who can apply?

• You must have 5 or more GCSE’s at grade 4 or higher - including Maths and English.

• To be government funded - you must still be 18 on 1st September. If you are older, you have the option to self-fund at £4500 a year.

• You must also meet our ability criteria.  

Is there support?

At Artemis, we pride ourselves on offering support to all of our young people throughout their programme.

We have a number of learners who have a range of support needs from specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia), or autistic spectrum disorders to mental health conditions, amongst others. If you have a physical challenge - don't be put off applying - wherever possible - we can adapt the physical elements of the course to be inclusive. You must be able to keep up in class however. Unlike other sixth forms, this is a vocational course - for experienced and ambitious performers. 

If you currently have a valid Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) or a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA), you may be entitled to government funded support from your local authority to ensure we help you achieve the best from your learning. Our SENco officer will need a recent copy (no more than 12 months old) of your plan as soon as possible - so we can make sure we can meet your needs. Artemis is a small college (50 students) and we will not be able to offer the same resources as a large college or school. It will take longer for us to assess your audition, as we will need to have meetings with our SENCO, who is not full time for Artemis. They will assess the plan, and discuss with the Senior Team what they believe will be needed and is possible. Only those who need to be in the meeting or see the plan will have access. This process can take two to three weeks in term time, or longer over holiday periods. If you are applying for a last minute place in summer, please ensure you do so at least two weeks BEFORE the summer holidays begin.

If we think with or without support we can meet your needs, we will then approach the LEA for their approval in principle. Please note, if support (such as a teaching assistant) is needed - students will not be able to take up a place at college until the LEA have submitted written approval from their panel. This can take between 1 and 6 weeks depending on the LEA.

If you wish to discuss any aspect of learning support, please do not hesitate to contact our office and staff will be pleased to help you.

Who can’t apply?

If you already have a full Diploma or Extended Diploma Level 3 qualification in Performing Arts (such as Btec or UAL), you will NOT be re-fundable by the government. You can self fund (£4500). This is because the government would consider it double funding (for a person to take the same level and topic of qualification twice, even if our syllabus is substantially different).

If you are 19 or older on 1st September - you will not be fundable. You can self fund - £4500.

If you are not a British citizen, or do not have the legal right to live and work in the U.K (proof required), you are not fundable. You can self fund - £4500

There is written coursework as well as physical and performing classes. Assistance from tutors is available with written work - but some home study is also expected.

Performing ability: You will need to be very strong in dancing, and strong or with the ability to be in singing or acting with potential to improve in all areas. We work at a tough pace, and your overall grade will take into account all areas (with a heavy focus on dance).

Course duration and start date: The next course will begin in September and lasts for one or two years depending on your first year.

What qualification(s) will I receive?

• RSL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Performing Arts (1 year)* 

• RSL Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (2 years)*

• RSL Level 4 Foundation in Performing Arts (dance pathway)*

• Graded L.A.M.D.A OR Trinity solo OR RSL graded dance or musical theatre certificates OR ITDA Associate teacher qualification (year two or Gap year students only). You must be of a high dance standard and able to teach after college in various settings.

Artemis graduates have gone on to many of the best drama, dance and musical theatre university courses, including Royal Central, GSA, Rose Bruford, Millenium, Laines, Birds, Urdang and Russell Group universities.

To apply - first book an OPEN DAY tour, where you can view sample classes and ask questions. The next step is to book an audition (this can be on the same day as your Open Day tour)

Hit the Apply Now button below to book!

Places are limited, the course is fully funded and FREE for 16-18 year olds!

We currently have a waiting list in place for entry in September 2023. If you wiuld still like to apply, complete the form and if we have a space come up you will be invited for a private audition. Spaces will be allocated in the order of registration/acceptance.