Elmhurst Ballet School
Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands · B5 7UH
Founded in 1923, Elmhurst Ballet School is a specialist establishment where academic study sits alongside intensive dance training. With just 185 pupils, including 63 in the sixth form, it is a small and tightly focused community spanning ages 11 to 19, with boarding available. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it 'excellent', including for personal development, and judged it compliant on all standards. It is a school for the genuinely vocationally minded young dancer rather than the all-rounder seeking a conventional academic path.
185
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£22,317
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-19
- Pupils
- 185
- Location
- Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands
- Website
- www.elmhurstdance.co.uk
- Telephone
- 0121 4726655
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Principal Miss Jessica Ward
Latest results
Attainment 8
26.3
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
30%
A-level A*-A
24%
A-level A*-B
47%
Teaching & academics
The academic programme runs in parallel with the dance commitment, leading to GCSEs, A-levels and the EPQ. This balance is reflected in the headline figures: an Attainment 8 score of 26.3 against a national average of 46.9, with no pupils reaching grade 5 in both English and Maths, though 30 per cent achieved grades 9-7 in their subjects. At A-level, 24 per cent of entries were graded A*-A and 47 per cent A*-B. Popular subjects include Music, French and Drama at GCSE, signalling where the curriculum's strengths align with the school's artistic identity.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 63
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 14.66%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1923
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £21,534 - £22,317
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £27,600 - £29,751
Government-funded, means-tested bursary/scholarship schemes: Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) for ages 11-16
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 28 January 2025
The last word
A specialist ballet school where dance comes first and the academic curriculum is shaped around it. Families considering it should weigh the vocational focus against conventional academic measures.
The Passmate verdict
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Elmhurst Ballet School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Elmhurst Ballet School located?
Elmhurst Ballet School is located at 249 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7UH.
What type of school is Elmhurst Ballet School?
Elmhurst Ballet School is an independent (fee-paying) school in West Midlands.
How many pupils attend Elmhurst Ballet School?
Elmhurst Ballet School has approximately 185 pupils on roll.
What is Elmhurst Ballet School's inspection rating?
Elmhurst Ballet School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 28 January 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.