Qualification / LEVEL 3

Duration / 2 YEARS

Course Type / FULL TIME

Qualification / LEVEL 3
Duration / 2 YEARS
Course Type / FULL TIME
Learning Sites / NATIONWIDE

/ Course delivered by

The BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A-levels. It is a 2 year, full time education programme. It is also worth up to 168 UCAS points (DDD*).

The BTEC study programme will be delivered by LEAD’s highly trained professional artists and performing arts teachers within each learning facility. Learners will train and perform within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios providing a unique and true vocational experience.

All learners will be entitled to the same privileges as any Further Education learner; for example, student bursaries (if eligible), UCAS guidance, pastoral care, education support, FE enrichment programmes and GCSE re-sit opportunities (if required).

We have 98% success, retention & achievement in Performing Arts across all learning sites!

Learners will train and perform within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.

LEAD staff will be responsible for delivery and managing the quality assurance of the BTEC education programme. This will ensure learners maximise their true potential as we work closely with our industry professionals. We’ll ensure all learners receive high level performing arts training (approx 20 hour per week on BTEC) and work towards achieving the highest grades possible.

Study programme content:

Exploring Performance Styles
Creating Performance Material
Performing to a Live Audience
Planning a Career in the Industry
Producing a Personal Project
Using Material for Self Promotion & Networking
Undertaking a defined Creative or Administrative Role
Collaboration to Develop a Project

Learners will be required to audition for this education programme and must achieve 5 GCSEs grade 4 and above (including maths and English). If successful at audition, learners will simply apply and enrol with us and at our education partner/s.

As part of this BTEC level 3, learners will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.

Past learners have successfully auditioned to advanced training schools such as Urdang, Laine, Addict, Bird, Rambert, Northern Ballet, ArtsEd, Wilkes, and many more. Other students have gained employment directly into the industry including TV work, touring shows, cruise ships and modelling contracts.

At LEAD, our students ALWAYS come first. We pride ourselves on being a supportive, learner focused organisation. We cater for all genres of Performing Arts including Dance, Musical Theatre, Singing/Acting and Circus. In the industry, this is known as a ‘Triple Threat’ and what is required to be successful in the industry.

LEAD Performing Arts Learning Sites

We have learning site facilities throughout the country, learners will train and perform within professional, purpose-built dance and performing arts studios.

Learning Site
in Brentwood

Learning Site
in Leicester

Learning Site
in London

Learning Site
in Manchester

Learning Site
in Coventry

Learning Site
in Chelmsford

Learning Site
in Dorset

Learning Site
in Liverpool

Learning Site
in Bury St Edmunds

Learning Site
in Wakefield

Learning Site
in Scarborough

Learning Site in
Newcastle-under-Lyme

Learning Site
in Kent

Learning Site
in Maidstone Kent

Learning Site
in Hartlepool

Learning Site
in Newcastle upon Tyne

faculty showtime circus logo

Learning Site
in Milton Keynes

Learning Site
in Bolton

faculty Worx logo

Learning Site
in Sunderland

Learning Site
in Swindon

Course Content

Course content will include subjects such as /

  • Dance Skills Development
  • The Performing Arts Industry
  • Personal Performing Arts Profile
  • Collaborative Performing Arts Project

Specific performing arts classes on learners timetable will include: / 

  • Classical Ballet
  • Contemporary
  • Jazz
  • Commercial
  • Musical Theatre
  • Singing/Acting
  • Tap
  • Performing to an Audience

This programme will progress learners onto / 

  • Auditions to specialist schools
  • University
  • Employment
lead case studies Ethan

Ethan M

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Performing Arts Practice

Why did you choose to study at LEAD Performing Arts/NDC?

“I chose this college because it was recommended by a friend and after looking into it I loved what LEAD at the NDC learning site had to offer.”

“My favourite thing about the BTEC course is constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone with things that I wasn’t comfortable with prior to the course such as singing and jazz technique.”

“College is helping to support the next steps in my career with the team of intensive teachers and industry pros that come and have workshops with us. This helps me to make connections and see what the current industry is like with their experience in stage performance.”

“My future career goal is to be a successful commercial dancer but be comfortable in all styles to make myself as employable as possible.”

 100% of LEAD Performing Arts learners have positive destinations including successful audition to advanced, Performing Arts training schools across the UK, other HE programmes and/or employment, directly into the industry.