Our schools offer your child the chance to expand their knowledge while learning new crafts for a possible future career in Performing Arts, while meeting new friends, gaining confidence and self-esteem and most of all having loads of fun along the way.
As a creative and learning establishment, everyone who walks through our doors has an equal opportunity. We always look at the bigger picture and we would love you, as a parent or student, to see and share our vision too!
For example, if a two and a half year old starts class with us, we tend to look at the progression value for their future and wellbeing for learning. Therefore, we see every pupil from the youngest in class to nurture their talent, continue learning with us and progress right through to a senior student or mature adult, hopefully leaving with employment and/or a teaching qualification.
We have qualified, certified and registered schools which are well established (over 50 years) and are widely recognized within the Performing Arts industry in performance and achievement of successes. We are also highly recognized within three major International examination boards.
(Examinations and productions are not compulsory, although if a pupil shows promise in any subject we do encourage the parent to enhance their child’s progression by either taking exams or participating in productions for technical quality and performance ability).
Parent consultations are always available by appointment!
We hope that everyone learns, progresses and above all, enjoys their time with us!
My daughter has been attending classes at starquest since we moved to the area just over a year ago and I couldn’t recommend it enough! Friendly yet professional staff, affordable classes and fantastic facilities have ensured that my daughters dance abilities have notecibly progressed…she has been encouraged to enter exams and to participate in regular festivals which has given her something to work towards and has made some lovely friends along the way…would highly recommend this school to any budding dancer.
D. Daulby
Admission
Entry to Starquest is by personal interview only by the Principal or Course Director. Applicants are carefully assessed on their individual merit and potential.
Fees
Every new pupil that registers are required to pay fees each time the pupil attends a class. If a pupil cannot attend for whatever reason, he/she will still be required to pay the full fee as we do not ask for a term fee up front.
Our schools are open throughout the year with exception of certain holiday periods. Notification will be given of any closures in advance to every pupil in writing at that time.
Once a pupil has participated in a class for more than four weeks, switching and changing classes is not permitted unless discussed with the principal or course director. When a new pupil commences any class their ability will be assessed and standardized for examination purposes.
Fees will be paid per session and daily only to ease any pressure on our staff and yourselves too.
If fees are not paid on the actual day, then a daily interest of 15% goes onto that amount, so it is in your own interest pay for your session/s before the start of your daily classes.
Please note that if payment is not deposited before the class starts, then pupils will not be able to partake in the lesson/s, yet still eligible for payment as pupils are registered within that class.
Classes cannot be paid for at the end of the day or at the end of the week due to staffing our reception and this is without exception.
These rules are to offer better consistency to your child’s learning without class interruption, regularity of your child’s attendance and to bring our system in alignment with mainstream education (ULN), other PA schools, activities and clubs within the area.
For example, if a learner attends swimming, gymnastics, gym memberships, or other such like clubs and activities, they are expected to pay a term/course fee in advance to keep their place on a course or to partake within the chosen activity.
Dance and Performing Arts is no different and we expect full payment if a pupil does not attend for whatever reason due to overheads.
We are open throughout the whole term including mainstream half term school closures for continuity and consistency regardless of circumstances and some events that may take place.
Each term will offer the opportunity to partake in either an examination session
(3 sessions per academic year) or an end of term professional performance/demonstration of learning (2 minimum per academic year).
Please note that examinations cannot be taken without attending the appropriate timetabled examination class. Those that have private lessons will only be offered the chance to take medal tests and not graded examinations if they do not attend grade classes.
If a pupil decides to leave Starquest, notification is needed in writing and submitted to the Starquest office, otherwise payment of a whole term fees are required.
Important Covid information
If a pupil has a positive Covid result, they will be required to stay at home and isolate for the required duration set out in the government guidelines. In this instance, missed classes do not have to be paid for, although a genuine photocopy of a Covid report must be produced. Any other illness or circumstance, absent fees for missed classes must be paid. Any missed fees of more than two weeks will have incurred daily until paid.
Uniform
Like most performing arts school, Starquest uniform is compulsory and a pupil will be expected to be wearing the Starquest uniform within one month of joining. Uniform can be ordered through the Starquest online shop under the uniform menu.
Examinations
A pupil will not be entered for an examination unless he/she is thought to be ready by the Principal or Course Director.
Once examination entries have been submitted to the examining board, pupils are required to pay for these entries with immediate effect. Any failure not to abide by this procedure will result in the pupil being withdrawn from the examination session and NOT being entered for future examinations.
The only exception to this would be for bereavements, family/personal situations and medical reasons. (The latter accepted with a valid doctors note.)
Examinations are taken at the main school due to studio requirements and not at sub-branches. Alternatively, some examinations are required to be taken in London.
The examinations are entered through the International Dance Teachers Association (I.D.T.A.) and the British Ballet Organization (B.B.O.) examining boards for dance subjects and musical theatre. Other subjects such as drama, singing and monologue examinations are taken through the Trinity/Guildhall examining board.
If parents wish pupils and students to partake within the exam structures then it is compulsory that all pupils and students attend examination classes regularly.
Photos and Video
Pupils and students who enrol may have photos/films taken of them performing. These will be used only for Starquest promotional material including the website.
Child Protection, Welfare and Pastoral Care
All teachers in our schools are fully qualified, supervised and CRB registered with continuing CPD.
Our secretaries, chaperones and pastoral care runs in conjunction within the child protection policies of the UK.
Performing professionally
Opportunities are given for pupils and students to perform in productions operated by Starquest Entertainments. During performing any contracts, pupils are legally licenced individually by the education authorities and chaperoned by professional, licenced and qualified staff.
Any pupil that wishes to audition for an outside production company, must ask permission from the Starquest Agency and Personal Management at head office.
If a pupil is successful in an audition for an outside production, parents and pupils should be represented by the Starquest agency. This is to avoid exploitation for your child and also of our other pupils.
This licence works under the Child protection law.