Private school270

Northern School of Contemporary Dance

Leeds, England

LGBTQ+

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Browse programs

Quick links

Cert. CertHE Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

25-40 Students

Program Recognition

One-year foundational Level 4 qualification in dance

Two pathway options: Contemporary or Street Dance Styles

Suitable for ages 16+ as an alternative to A-Levels

Approximately 30 places per intake

Training

Intensive full-time training at England's only dance conservatoire outside London

Industry-standard dance studios and on-site Riley Theatre

Work with guest choreographers to create and perform dance works

Progression

88% of 2025 graduates progressed to further dance training

Direct pathway to NSCD's BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance or similar degree courses

School info

Snapshot

Continuation

86%

1 yr after entry

Enrollment

270

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£10,050

Home students · 2027-2028

International tuition & fees

£20,160

overseas students · 2027-2028

Undergraduate · nscd.ac.uk Discover Uni

Program info updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One-year foundational Level 4 qualification in dance

Two pathway options: Contemporary or Street Dance Styles

Suitable for ages 16+ as an alternative to A-Levels

Approximately 30 places per intake

Training

Intensive full-time training at England's only dance conservatoire outside London

Industry-standard dance studios and on-site Riley Theatre

Work with guest choreographers to create and perform dance works

Progression

88% of 2025 graduates progressed to further dance training

Direct pathway to NSCD's BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance or similar degree courses

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

One-year foundational Level 4 qualification in dance

Two pathway options: Contemporary or Street Dance Styles

Suitable for ages 16+ as an alternative to A-Levels

Approximately 30 places per intake

Training

Intensive full-time training at England's only dance conservatoire outside London

Industry-standard dance studios and on-site Riley Theatre

Work with guest choreographers to create and perform dance works

Progression

88% of 2025 graduates progressed to further dance training

Direct pathway to NSCD's BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance or similar degree courses

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

£20

How To Apply · nscd.ac.uk

Program AppApplication

Fee

Audition Fee

£20

Deadline

Application DeadlineMar 17, 2027

Auditions

In-Person Audition (NSCD, Leeds)

Dec 7–8, 2026Feb 15–18, 2027Mar 31 – Apr 1, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Video audition application deadlineMar 17, 2027

Certhe Dance · nscd.ac.uk Apply Certhe Dance · nscd.ac.uk Certhe Dance · nscd.ac.uk

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

Dance

In-Person Audition

Improvisation and icebreaker session

Contemporary technique class or Street Dance Styles class (depending on pathway)

Ballet class

Afro-fusion class

Group choreography task

Preparation

Learn the set movement phrases provided by NSCD in advance of your audition date

Video Audition

Creative/improvisation task (2 minutes)

Technical practices task (max 2 minutes): perform set movement phrases plus one additional movement phrase of your choice (e.g. contemporary, ballet, hip-hop, breaking, voguing, house)

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

Passport-style photo accepted

Does not need to be a professional headshot

Statement (Required)

What are your future dance ambitions? (up to 250 words)

What is your biggest artistic inspiration? (up to 250 words)

What excites you about training at NSCD? (up to 250 words)

Video (Required for Video Audition)

Provide a single YouTube or Vimeo link as part of the online application

Include the program's required video audition tasks from the NSCD guidance

Apply Certhe Dance · nscd.ac.uk

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply via NSCD's online portal (HEI Apply)

Video auditions must be submitted with the application

Eligibility

Five GCSEs at grade C/4+ including English Language, plus two A-Levels or L3 BTEC National Diploma (or equivalent)

Exceptions for 16-year-olds who have not completed A-Levels

Suitable for ages 16+ as a full-time alternative to A-Levels

Equivalent overseas qualifications accepted

International applicants require CEFR B2 English proficiency

Overseas students on a UK Student Visa must be 18 upon entry

Important Notes

Application fee waivers available for households under 25,000 GBP annual income

Also available for care leavers and estranged or adopted students

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Single audition: in person at NSCD or by video submission

Video auditions must be submitted at the same time as the application

Full-day format (approximately 10:30 to 16:00)

Includes group discussion

Auditions at NSCD, 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4BH

Include verbal discussion (max 4 minutes): respond to tasks and explain reasons for wanting to train at NSCD

Post-Enrollment

Physical potential regardless of previous training

Creativity and curiosity

Performance ability and physical communication

Critical awareness and self-reflection

Outcomes

Results within 2-3 weeks of in-person audition

Video outcomes during January, March, or April

Possible outcomes: offer (3 weeks to accept), shortlist, or no offer

School info

Snapshot

Continuation

86%

1 yr after entry

Enrollment

270

Costs & aid

Home tuition & fees

£10,050

Home students · 2027-2028

International tuition & fees

£20,160

overseas students · 2027-2028

Undergraduate · nscd.ac.uk Discover Uni

Program Recognition

One-year foundational Level 4 qualification in dance

Two pathway options: Contemporary or Street Dance Styles

Suitable for ages 16+ as an alternative to A-Levels

Approximately 30 places per intake

Training

Intensive full-time training at England's only dance conservatoire outside London

Industry-standard dance studios and on-site Riley Theatre

Work with guest choreographers to create and perform dance works

Progression

88% of 2025 graduates progressed to further dance training

Direct pathway to NSCD's BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance Performance or similar degree courses

Updated Sep 27, 3:30 PM