Charlotte Talbot will become Chair of Governors from 24 October 2024, having served on the board since 2012.
Senior school
Central School of Ballet
Central School of Ballet offers undergraduate ballet training courses for students aged 16 and above.
Day fees
£23,614
Entry
Audition + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 19 Feb 202716+ registration closes
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Mark Osterfield
Artistic Director
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
185
Location
Southwark
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
16 to 18
Founded
1982
Sixth form
63 pupils
Entry points
16+, 18+
Nearest station
Southwark
School buses
Yes
Bursaries
Available
Show 1 more factShow fewer facts
Scholarships
Other
Overview
About Central School of Ballet
Central School of Ballet provides three years of ballet training at their London studios. The school accepts students aged 16 and above for their undergraduate courses. Applications for September 2026 entry are now closed. The audition process includes preliminary auditions and final auditions, with options for in-person and video auditions. The school offers an Assisted Application Scheme for eligible UK students.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school in Southwark for ages 16–18. Selective entry.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 16–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
Watch-outs
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- Curriculum is IB/American-style rather than A-Level. Check that your university plans (UK or otherwise) align before committing to the route.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration openCloses 19 Feb 2027
- TBCOpen dayTo be confirmedScheduled during the applications period for ages 13-16Dance Days (Sample/Taster Classes)
- Feb19Registration closesNext
- Nov15Assessment
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£23,614per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £23,614VAT TBC3 years: £78,011
vs London avg (£24,000)2% below
Ask Houseroom
Questions about Central School of Ballet?
Ask the school
Quick answers about Central School of Ballet
Answered only from Central School of Ballet's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
world-class classical ballet training
university validated degrees
close industry relationships
state-of-the-art studios in London’s South Bank
integrated training of body and mind
focus on versatility for diverse choreographic styles
Ballet Central touring company experience
Health Suite for mental and physical wellbeing
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Adult Dance Classes (Ballet & African Contemporary)PilatesStrength and Conditioning
music
Piano and Music for Dance
drama
Ballet Central (touring company)Drama and SingingMusical Theatre (Ages 8-16)
academic club
MA Choreography
other
Associate ProgrammeJunior Associate ProgrammeJunior School dance coursesShort Courses / Dance Intensives
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Seven dance studios
arts
Green roomStudio theatreThe Gable Theatre (fully equipped studio theatre)
academic
Study and resource centresThe Countess of Wessex Studios
wellbeing
Health and wellbeing suiteHealth and wellbeing suite including psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, Pilates, Recovery from Injury Programme
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
Foundation DegreeBA (Hons)MA Choreography
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
August 2024
Central School of Ballet said farewell to 34 third-year students, many of whom are joining companies both nationally and internationally.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Jamiel Devernay-LaurenceAnn Stannard (Founder)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 19 Feb 2027 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Central School of Ballet right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childPastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Tutor system
Find out more about what training is like at Central, from the perspective of our degree course ballet tutors… Central provides dance classes and intensives for young children, aspiring teenagers and adults to develop dance skills, wellbeing and general fitness. Central’s new home, The Countess of Wessex Studios, ideally located a 10 minute walk from Waterloo and 20 minutes from London Bridge, in Southwark SE1, offers amenities to rival dance training facilities anywhere in the UK; seven studios, The Gable Theatre (a fully equipped studio theatre), study and resource centres, a green room, and a well-equipped health and wellbeing suite. These facilities are available to hire. Please contact info@csbschool.co.uk for more information.
GovernancePolicies & documents
Governance
Policies & documents
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Central School of Ballet best for?+
Central School of Ballet suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 16–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
How much are the fees at Central School of Ballet?+
Day fees at Central School of Ballet are around £23,614 per year in 2026-27. Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Central School of Ballet?+
No dates are listed yet. Save Central School of Ballet and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
Central School of Ballet is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Central School of Ballet support SEND?+
Central School of Ballet offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Central School of Ballet take?+
Central School of Ballet takes pupils from age 16 to 18.
Is Central School of Ballet a day or boarding school?+
Central School of Ballet is a day school.
Is Central School of Ballet co-educational or single-sex?+
Central School of Ballet is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Central School of Ballet?+
Central School of Ballet is in Southwark, SE1 8DJ.
How do I contact admissions at Central School of Ballet?+
Contact Central School of Ballet by email at admissions@csbschool.co.uk or phone on 020 7837 6332.
Data
Central School of Ballet in numbers
Results, fees, destinations and inspections on one page.
Visit in person
More schools in Southwark
Work at this school?
Claim this free listing to manage events and enquiries.