Vocational Graded Examinations

The Vocational Graded Examinations offers learners the scope to study several dance disciplines enabling them to develop a comprehensive understanding of dance and performance providing a firm foundation of technique that can be progressively built upon. It encourages them to research, prepare and demonstrate their ability to operate as a dance professional and to actively participate in their own professional development.

The Vocational Graded Examinations are open to anyone who is 12 years of age or over at the time of entry for Intermediate to Advanced 2 and 15 years of age or over at the time of entry for the Professional Development level and has the physical capacity to safely reach the required standard. Learners must also meet the qualification entry requirements as follows:

  • Candidate has a GQAL General Graded Examination Grade 5 or its equivalent
  • All candidates must enter at VGE Intermediate in each discipline selected. Entry to Advanced Foundation to the Professional Development level requires the candidate to have obtained a Pass at the previous grade in each discipline before being entered for the next grade in that discipline.

There are five grades (Intermediate, Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Professional Development) covering RQF levels 3-5 and these are available in a range of dance disciplines:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Modern Jazz
  • Tap
  • Spanish
  • Flamenco

For a copy of the specification/syllabus please click on the PDF icon on the right of this page.

Programmes of study leading to these qualifications are available from the following organisations, for further details please access their website by clicking on the relevant icon on the right of this page:

  • British Theatre Dance Association (BTDA)
  • Associated Board of Dance (Classical Ballet)
  • Spanish Dance Society (Spanish and Flamenco)

Entries for these qualifications must be made through a registered teacher with the organisation offering the relevant programme of study. To find out how to become a registered teacher, please contact the organisation direct.

Assessment for these qualifications is external.

In addition GQAL offers General Graded Qualifications.