As higher education is being transformed by a number of factors, the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama has been undertaking a review of its governance arrangements and looking ahead to its long-term future. A new structure has emerged from this process and represents an exciting step forward in the evolution of the Conservatoire. The dynamic and collegiate partnership will continue to celebrate the distinct identities and traditions of the schools, while working to grow even stronger collaborative links between members, including plans to obtain degree-awarding powers.

The eight schools have benefitted from sixteen years of collaboration and together have achieved considerable successes to date. In 2016, the Conservatoire was judged to be world-leading in its fields of dance, drama and circus arts in an independent review commissioned by HEFCE; in 2017 it was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework. With many choices available to institutions in a fast-changing higher education landscape, each school has now considered what represents the best long-term interests for its own development.

Six schools – Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Central School of Ballet, London Contemporary Dance School, National Centre for Circus Arts, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and Rambert School – will be moving forward as members of the Conservatoire. Two schools, LAMDA and RADA, have decided to pursue their own recognition as independent higher education institutions, and therefore will be leaving the Conservatoire at a future date to be decided.

The Conservatoire’s primary focus at all times is to ensure that it continues to develop the world-leading arts education and training for which the schools are renowned, and continues to serve the best interests of its schools, staff and students. All of the schools, supported by the Conservatoire’s shared services, will be working together to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements over the coming months and years.

For press enquiries please contact Jason Clarke, Chief Operating Officer & Acting Principal, Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (jason.clarke@cdd.ac.uk) or Emma Swift, Communications and Projects Coordinator, Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (emma.swift@cdd.ac.uk).