Make Believe Academy is a year-round programme designed to help children grow as confident, well-rounded performers whilst working towards nationally recognised qualifications.

Throughout the year, students develop their singing, acting and dance technique through two learning phases. During the Academy Examination Programme, they prepare for their next graded Musical Theatre examination by learning performance pieces, developing technical skills and understanding the examination requirements. During the Academy Development Phase, the focus shifts to building confidence, creativity, stage presence and advanced performance skills.

Rather than teaching only towards an examination, Make Believe Academy provides a continuous cycle of learning, development and progression, allowing every student to discover, qualify and master the joy of performance.

Our awards offer vocational and technical qualifications covering Music, Performing Arts and Creative Digital Media. Awards offer performing arts examinations in musical theatre, street dance, jazz dance, acting, screen acting & public speaking.

Examinations are fully regulated by OfQual, Qualifications Wales & CCEA. Examinations are internationally recognised.

This is dependent on the examination being taken. All Musical Theatre examinations are group exams, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 assessed candidates.

Each graded exam has a specific set of criteria that are assessed. Musical Theatre graded exams, for example, contain three core elements: Performance, Technical Skills, and Understanding & Reflection.

Graded examinations range from Premiere to Grade 8. Each step in the exam chain demonstrates learning, progression, and skills in incremental steps. There are minimum requirements for each grade band and so a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t possible! Every child who is entered into Make Believe Academy will have an individual discussion with their parent/guardian and local Principal to discuss individual goals, current strengths, areas for improvement, and how these align with graded examination entry.

Students are not required to take grades in succession and can even skip grades if deemed appropriate! For example, it may be more appropriate for a child in our Junior class to take Grade 3 as their first examination.

Some schools are selected to attend studios in central London for their exam, turning the day into a really exciting experience – travelling into the city, performing in a professional studio environment, and meeting other Make Believers from across the network. It’s a brilliant opportunity for students to feel part of something bigger and to experience the joy of performing beyond their own school.

For many groups, exams can also be submitted via recorded video. This flexible approach allows students to perform in a setting where they feel most confident, which is essential when building self-belief and a positive examination experience.

Upon enrolment, an enrolment entry fee is payable and membership fees will be added to your direct debit.

Enrolment Fees include exam entry which increase incrementally by grade and include:

• Exam entry
• Exam recording & uploading
• A physical Graded Examination certificate
• The creation of material for your child’s specific examination group

Make Believe Academy is a year-round programme, split into two distinct stages: the Academy Examination Programme and the Academy Development Programme.

The Academy Examination Programme runs for approximately 16 weeks and prepares students for their next graded Musical Theatre examination. Following this, students progress into the Academy Development Programme, where the focus shifts to building confidence, refining technique and developing advanced performance skills across Singing, Acting and Dance.

Membership fees are payable either in full at the start of each programme or by monthly instalments. Examination fees are charged separately by the awarding body. Please speak to your local Make Believe Principal for current Academy membership fees and payment options.

Enrolment can commence throughout the year. Please note that it is not possible to join mid-way through a Make Believe Academy term.

Children will only be entered for examinations if their teacher and Principal confirm they are ready for grading. If they are not yet ready or feel additional sessions are required, this will be communicated to you directly and your exam entry fee will carry over to the next term (subject to any exam board fee increases).

Change the question on this one too: Does my child need to attend every Academy class?

Yes. Regular attendance is essential to help your child gain the maximum benefit from Make Believe Academy. During both the Academy Examination Programme and the Academy Development Programme, each week’s learning builds on the previous one. As Musical Theatre examinations are assessed in groups, students also rely on one another when preparing for performance and assessment. We understand that illness and unforeseen circumstances can occur, but wherever possible, holidays should be arranged outside Academy programme dates to ensure your child remains fully prepared and continues to progress with confidence.

If your child misses more than two consecutive weeks of Make Believe Academy, it may affect their progress and, where applicable, their readiness for examination. During both the Academy Examination Programme and the Academy Development Programme, each week’s learning builds upon the last. At Make Believe Academy, we want every child to succeed, so students will only be entered for an examination if their teacher and Principal are confident they are ready. If you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend for more than two weeks, please speak to your Principal, who will be able to provide personalised guidance and discuss the best way to support your child’s continued progress.

Children will be grouped into grade specific classes. Grades 1-3, for example, can take their examination together and so would be grouped together within the academy.

Whilst this is unlikely, as children are only put forward for an exam when their teacher and principal agree they are prepared, there are steps you can take to appeal your child’s awarded grade. Your Principal will have a discussion with you should this ever arise and explain all the options to you.

Edit this question: Will my child be ready to take their examination after one Academy Examination Programme?

 In most cases, yes. The Academy Examination Programme is designed to prepare students for their next graded examination. However, every child progresses at their own pace, and in some cases a student may benefit from additional training before being entered for assessment. Higher grades may also require more guided learning hours. At Make Believe Academy, students are only entered for examination when their teacher and Principal are confident they are ready to succeed.

Yes. A Reasonable Adjustments form can be completed and sent to our examiner in advance of assessment. Medical evidence is required to support reasonable adjustments. Diagnostic confirmation on headed paper by medical practitioners, an Educational Psychologist or SEND qualified personnel is accepted. Special considerations can be applied for candidates who have a temporary disability, medical condition or learning needs or who are indisposed or are affected by unforeseen circumstances beyond their control at the time of the assessment.