I've heard that the UKA exams have levels between the grades called medal tests but not really sure how they work. If anyone can give me any information or point me in the right direction I would be very grateful as I can't find anything on the internet.

I had found the website but not really seen anything helpful. It seems to be a mancunian qualification: as it originated in Manchester and most of the school in and around Manchester offer it as their examiners but I was wondering if it was actually recognised as a qualification and level with RAD or ISTD? I had not heard of it until trying to find a school close to home.

There are of course many dance teaching societies in the UK and indeed there will soon be an announcement about two of the large ones who will be working together.

Some organisations seek their exams to be recognised by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority which of course knows nothing about dance and as many believe that the QCA have devalued and debased GCSE & A Levels how important or valuable is it to have QCA recognition?

In the real world do any employers of dancers use any exams as a basis for engagement? If employers do not value them what is their meaning and purpose?

This whole issue and issue of the recognition value of dance “qualifications” is a can of worms!

Some recreational schools place great emphasis on exams and success in them but in doing this some kill fun and creativity in dance for children and they end up by giving up dance.

It all depends on what you want for your child and what they want and what they could achieve and what is locally available to you. This may not be too helpful for you but finding the right teacher for your child is not always a matter of what “qualification” they hold.

I couldn't agree more with the several points Gavin makes about this issue.

When I think of the many famous teachers of ballet we've all heard about - how many of them were connected with a strictly regulated institutionalized system? Most of them taught from their gut - with spontaneity an important element.

Observing a teacher at work is more instructive than reading her/his diplomas tacked up on the wall.

It's sort of like doctors - they all graduated from medical school, but they are not all the same.

This makes sense as I have always been worried about whether exams can stifle art due to the stress and preparation related: whether you can really rate artists and whether any attention is actually paid to the qualification. The new dance school I have found I like and it is very convenient for the moment, my only issue was with the qualifications it used but you have both reassured me that the quality of teaching is the most important thing.

Thanks again!

P.S. The school is for me I'm a little young to have kids! (but I take it as a compliment!)