Research and reports on the grades
CDMT publishes on graded exams: what they are, how they sit within the UK regulatory landscape, and how they compare with other qualifications. Every report here is free to download.
Graded Exams: The Definitive Guide
Twelve months of work by CDMT and the twenty awarding organisations offering graded exams in the arts. The booklet describes the history, distinctiveness and purpose of graded exams, and how they contribute to the development of performing artists of all ages and ability across music, dance, drama and musical theatre, worldwide.
Four further reports
Published between 2014 and 2018, on the relationship between graded exams and the wider educational landscape.
Sector report on Graded Exams
A report on the relationship between graded exams and the UK educational regulatory landscape. First released in Autumn 2014, then developed and significantly updated for re-release in June 2018. It focuses on the factual context of graded exams and gives a selective, evidence-based account of their past and present relationship with regulation in the UK.
Report on Graded Exams and GCSEs / A levels
A comparison of graded examinations in music, dance and drama with the relevant GCSEs and A levels. It investigates the key differences and similarities, including assessment methodology and modes of delivery, and asks whether the two qualification types offer skills, knowledge and understanding that complement each other.
Eight subject-by-subject appendices
- A GCSE Music and graded music performance
- B GCSE Music and graded music theory
- C GCSE Dance and graded dance
- D GCSE Drama and graded speech and drama
- E A level Music and graded music performance
- F A level Music and graded music theory
- G A level Dance and graded and vocational dance
- H A level Drama and graded speech and drama
Report on higher level qualifications in the performing arts
An overview of higher level qualifications across the performing arts, outlining provision at Levels 4 to 8 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, Levels 7 to 12 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, and those in the Further and Higher Education Qualifications Framework. It sets out the interrelationships between providers and the range of qualifications on offer.
Statistical report on the working practices of dance teachers
A survey of dance teachers aligned to CDMT validated awarding organisations. It captures how teaching was structured through the year, how classes were organised and the types of facilities used, with responses collated into a single set of statistics for each question.
What CDMT publishes for
CDMT works with the awarding organisations offering graded exams towards three stated ends.
An authoritative source
Providing information for government agencies dealing with recognition, regulation and accreditation across the performing arts.
Raising their standing
Promoting the benefits of graded exams to the public, and raising their status within the UK and internationally.
Protecting the standard
Ensuring the continued integrity of assessment methods and the reliability of standards.
The Graded Exams Forum
- Comprises the Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations offering grades in dance, music, musical theatre and drama.
- Facilitated by CDMT's validated Awarding Organisations' Committee.
For anything exam-specific, go to the organisation
These reports are CDMT's. Syllabuses, entry, fees, dates and results belong to the twenty awarding organisations.
CDMT Office
- Salters' Hall, 4 London Wall Place, London, EC2Y 5AU
- cdmt.org.uk