Following a successful quality and standards review outcome from the Quality Assurance Agency  we are delighted to announce that the National Centre for Circus Arts  registered with the Office for Students to become a Higher Education Provider.

 For 20 years the National Centre has been an affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD). Significant changes in funding structures have meant that the CDD schools have been working with the Office for Students to move towards new arrangements and independent status.  Students who are currently enrolled on our HE programmes will transition to new registration with the Office for Students, from 1 August 2022. The Conservatoire will deregister as a higher education provider and will begin the process of a solvent winddown of its Charity and Company.

Along with the National Centre, Central School of Ballet, London Contemporary Dance School, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, and Rambert School have received confirmation of registration with the Office for Students, and will become independent higher education providers. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is entering a new partnership arrangement with the University of the West of England. 

A statement from CDD said  ‘For the past two decades, the Conservatoire has provided a collegiate structure for its schools which has facilitated collaboration, sharing of learning and best practice, and the continued development and enhancement of higher education provision in dance, drama and circus arts. During this time, the higher education landscape has altered significantly, and the Conservatoire Schools are now able to take advantage of new opportunities available to small specialist providers. The Conservatoire will continue to support the Schools up to the date of transition in preparing for the next phase of their journeys as providers of world-leading higher education and training in the performing arts.’

Kate White, CEO of the National Centre also said:

 “We would like to thank everyone at CDD for their commitment and dedication over the years. Our affiliation has allowed our HE provision to develop and flourish. As this change takes place, however, we are thrilled to be looking towards an independent future where we can continue to shape circus arts training to provide the very best education for tomorrows artists who will continue to develop, challenge and push the boundaries of our remarkable art form”.