The Barbara Speake Stage School

The school was opened on February 10th 1945 as a dancing school only, by the present principal Miss Barbara M Speake MBE. In 1963 it became a full time school providing academic and artistic training.

The strength of the school is in its friendly atmosphere, traditional qualities and caring, committed staff. If you wish for a small happy school for your child, where every teacher can care for his or her individuals’ needs, then it is here. No where else will you find Year 11 students walk hand in hand with early years children, where every teacher knows every child by name and is treated as an individual who is allowed to be creative, and encouraged to become the best person possible both academically and artistically.

After sitting up to 10 GCSE’s in Year 11, the majority of our students leave school and go on to higher education, and become inspirational young people we are all extremely proud of. It has been proven that pupils here succeed though enjoyment of their school which gives them confidence to follow whatever path they choose whether in the field of entertainment, or in a more academic career.

The Barbara Speake Stage School is a co-educational, non-denominational school, providing a learning environment where the individual is catered for in small class groups (average 16 pupils, maximum 20), where self-reliance, confidence and self-esteem can be developed. The aim of the school is to provide a good range subjects to study in addition to the core subjects of English, Maths & Science.

The only full time nursery stage school in the UK. Pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, and are assessed at the end of this stage when aged 5. Pupils are assessed on communication & Language, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of The World, Personal Social & Emotional Development, Physical Development, Expressive Arts & Design.

The National Curriculum is taught with concentration on English, Maths, Reading & SPAG, other subjects include History, Geography, Science, PSHE, Art, I.C.T., Phonics (Lower Juniors) & French from year 4. SATS tests are taken in English Reading, SPAG and Maths at age 11, in Year 6.

The Senior school week is divided into two parts, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday are dedicated to the Academic Curriculum. Thursday and Friday are allocated for the Artistic Curriculum.

The National Curriculum is taught in nine subjects: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Science, Geography, History, French & Art. PSHE and Citizenship are taught cross curricular in the above subjects. SATS tests in English and Maths are taken in Year 9.

In Year 10 GCSE’s are taken in Expressive Arts and Dance. In Year 11 GCSE’s are taken in: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Statistics, Biology, Fine Art & Design and Drama. Citizenship and PSHE are also studied cross curricular. Music GCSE can also be sat at the schools centre.

Being a specialist performing Arts School, we have very high expectations for all of our students in their vocational classes and as a result expect 100% commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm to reach the standard that is required to go on to further education in the arts, or to be able to go out and work professionally in the entertainment industry. All students are encouraged to develop their individual talents, in singing, dancing and acting.

All Junior School students participate in weekly classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, Production, Singing & Drama. Pupils work towards I.D.T.A examinations in 4 disciplines. All students perform in the annual school show in March.

All Senior School vocational classes are timetabled for Thursday and Friday of every week. Students take lessons in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Street, Musical Theatre, Drama & Singing. Students work towards IDTA examinations in 4 dance disciplines, as well as LCM singing examinations. Students leave fully prepared for higher educational college auditions.