Birmingham, West Midlands · B5 7UH
Elmhurst Ballet School is a specialist performing arts independent school in Birmingham, uniquely focused on ballet and dance training integrated with a full academic curriculum. It caters to aspiring professional dancers aged 11–18, offering both day and boarding provision with a balance between rigorous dance training and broader educational development. The school combines vocational excellence with mainstream academics, creating a distinctive pathway for talented young performers.
Who thrives here
Pupils aged 11–18 with serious ballet or dance talent, strong motivation for performance careers, and the maturity to balance demanding physical training with academic rigour. Boarders from across the UK and internationally who need intensive specialist training.
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
249 Bristol Road, Edgbaston
Birmingham, West Midlands
B5 7UH
Nearest stations
Day fees at Elmhurst Ballet School are approximately £28,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
Elmhurst Ballet School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
At Elmhurst Ballet School, 16.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Elmhurst Ballet School offers boarding as well as day places.
ISI rated Elmhurst Ballet School “Excellent” (2022).
Frequently praised
✓Specialist expertise and professional-standard training unavailable in mainstream schools
✓Supportive staff who understand dual academic-dance demands
✓Small school community fosters close relationships and individualised attention
✓Clear pathway to professional dance careers or university dance programmes
Common concerns
!Limited availability of data online and inspection history (not yet inspected by Ofsted)
!High physical and psychological demands on young teenagers; eating disorders and performance anxiety require careful monitoring
!Relatively small cohort may limit social diversity or subject breadth at GCSE/A-level
!Boarding culture and distance from home can be challenging for some pupils