Post-16 Dance Options in London: Understanding Conservatoires, Sixth Forms, and Dedicated Colleges

Choosing what to do after GCSEs can feel like a lot, especially for students who really enjoy dancing. At that age, many teens are trying to figure out if dance is something they want to keep doing just for fun, or if it could be part of their longer-term plans. For families exploring options in a busy city like London, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the different routes available.

You may have seen terms like conservatoires, sixth forms, or colleges that specialise in dance. It is not always clear what the real differences are. We think it helps to break things down. If your teen is asking questions or showing interest in classes, this guide will help make things clearer so you can decide together what makes sense next.

What Is a Dance Conservatoire?

If a young person is serious about making dance their full-time career, they might start looking at conservatoires. These schools are built around professional training, focused on students who already have strong foundations and are ready to train daily at a very high level.

Conservatoires tend to be intense. They often include long days filled with technique classes, rehearsals, and performance work. There is very little (if any) academic subject work. The main aim is to prepare students for auditions, companies, or higher-level conservatoire degrees.

Most conservatoires have a strict audition process. They look for dedicated dancers who already know this is more than a hobby for them. This path is not for everyone, and that is okay. Students who thrive in these places are usually those who have already spent a lot of time training, performing, and thinking about dance as more than just a hobby.

Understanding Dance Sixth Forms in London

For teens who love to dance but still want more variety in their school day, a dance sixth form in London can be a good option. These programmes combine academic subjects like maths or English with regular dance classes.

They are usually found inside secondary schools or performing arts colleges. The structure feels more familiar to most students, especially if they are not ready to give up traditional school subjects yet. One of the biggest benefits is that it keeps doors open. If your teen is not sure whether dance is going to be their career, a sixth form lets them keep it in their life while still working toward other qualifications.

Most sixth forms do not have the same level of daily dance that you would find at a college or conservatoire, but they are a solid step for teens who want to stretch themselves in dance without having to give up their other interests.

How Dance Colleges Work for 16–18s

Some students know that what they want most is to be moving every day. That is where dedicated dance colleges come in. These schools tend to offer full-time programmes built to focus almost entirely on movement and training.

For 16–18-year-olds who feel most at home in the studio, dance colleges can be a good match. You will often find a small, close-knit environment that allows students to build strong relationships while improving their technique and confidence. At Adore Dance in Hackney Wick, for example, students benefit from purpose-built studios, experienced tutors, and a supportive learning atmosphere. We offer classes in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and commercial dance, with training easily accessible from Stratford, Hackney, Homerton, and Bow.

Students still complete a few academic elements, depending on the course, but the focus is on dancing every day. These schools work well for students who are not necessarily planning a performance career but want to explore dance in a richer way or prepare for future creative work. It is about practical experience and growing as a mover, not just studying theory or taking an occasional class.

Things to Think About When Choosing Your Path

With so many options in London, it helps to take a step back and think practically about what fits your teen’s interests and personality. There are some key points that often make a big difference:

If you are searching for the best next step to nurture your teen’s dance journey, consider how a dance college in London can unlock their creative and technical potential. At Adore Dance, our focused environment supports both passionate movers and those eager to take dance more seriously. Let your teen experience hands-on training, inspiring tutors, and a welcoming community that celebrates every dancer’s growth. Discover a path where their passion for movement can truly shine.