Central School of Ballet
Central School of Ballet offers undergraduate ballet training courses for students aged 16 and above.
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Our take
Independent co-ed sixth-form college in Southwark for ages 18+. Selective entry.
- Students choosing a sixth-form move at 16+ rather than continuing at their current school.
- 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.
- 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.
About the head
Central School of Ballet seeks to nurture the artistic expression in dance, develop technique, and train intelligent, adaptable dancers equipped for the evolving dance industry in a supportive and inclusive environment.
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
Activities & co-curricular
sport
music
drama
academic club
other
Facilities
sports
arts
academic
wellbeing
Recent coverage
In September 2024, Charlotte Talbot, a former principal dancer and Central School of Ballet graduate, succeeded as Chair of Governors, having served on the board since 2012. In August 2024, the school celebrated the graduation of 34 third-year students, many of whom joined professional companies both nationally and internationally. The graduating cohort also performed a successful Ballet Central tour, engaging over 2,500 audience members across various venues. In January 2026, the school released its Access and Participation Plan for 2026-27 to 2029-30, highlighting a 92.4% continuation rate over four years, surpassing the sector average of 89.3%. In March 2020, the school appointed Mark Osterfield as Executive Director to lead the organization in its new Southwark location, following a capital campaign that raised nearly £9.5 million for the relocation and building fit-out.
Notable alumni
Open-day dates not yet published
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How well does Central School of match?
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Check fit for my childApplication timeline
No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.
| Year | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | TBC | TBC | TBC | Tbc |
Open events
Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.
Fees
Bursaries & Scholarships
Wellbeing
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.
Inspection
Isi — 13 Jan 2026
One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.
Policies & documents
Schools like Central School of Ballet
Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Questions parents ask
Common questions about Central School of Ballet, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.
What kind of child is Central School of Ballet best for?+
Independent co-ed sixth-form college in Southwark for ages 18+. Selective entry.
How does admissions work?+
Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.
Are fees published?+
Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.
Does the school support SEND?+
Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.
Are there open days?+
6 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.
How do I contact admissions?+
email at admissions@csbschool.co.uk or phone on 020 7837 6332. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.
What similar schools should I compare?+
We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Central School of Ballet — see the "Schools like Central School of Ballet" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.
Reviews
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