What are the grades?
A progressive series of qualifications that turn years of practice into clear, recognised steps, with an independent assessment at every stage.
Graded exams are a series of qualifications that offer a progressive learning structure for developing performers. They set motivational milestones, from beginner level to a standard of proficiency and artistry appropriate for entry to higher education.
The system typically runs across eight grades, arranged in sequence, so learners develop and display their skills one step at a time. It gives everyone a way of teaching, monitoring and rewarding individual achievement, leading at each grade to an independent assessment of the candidate by an external examiner.
Why performers take them
Preparing for a grade develops high standards of performance, perception, creativity, knowledge and understanding. The grades set clear incremental standards by which candidates, teachers, parents and carers, and employers can measure real progress in acquiring genuine command of the skills each discipline demands.
People take them for different reasons: educational, vocational, or simply social. The framework works the same way for all of them.
A short history
Graded examinations grew from the structures put in place by the music conservatoires in the mid nineteenth century, which set out to assess the development of young musicians and to support standards in teaching. By the early 1900s, the assessments had grown to take in drama and dance.
Their early geographical spread mirrored the footprint of the old British Empire, with awarding organisations' archives recalling examiners leaving UK ports on sailing ships for long international tours, certificates in hand. Today the grades are available in over 90 countries and attract well over a million candidates a year, across many instruments, dance genres, dramatic disciplines and musical theatre.
Government recognition
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the regulator of qualifications in England. Many awarding organisations offering graded exams are recognised by Ofqual and by its partners in Wales and Northern Ireland, and are committed to submitting annual statements confirming their compliance with Ofqual's General Conditions of Recognition.
Ofqual evaluates those returns and makes sure awarding organisations carry out their roles correctly, through formal audits and, where relevant, comparability studies of assessment standards.
Graded exams are also included in Levels 1 to 4 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework. Where each qualification sits is set out below.
Where each grade sits on the RQF
The Regulated Qualifications Framework places every regulated qualification in England at a level, so a grade can be compared with qualifications from outside the performing arts.
- Grades 1 to 3 in music, dance, drama and musical theatre
- Grades 4 to 5 in music, dance, drama and musical theatre
- Vocational grades, Intermediate Foundation in dance
- Grades 6 to 8 in music, dance, drama and musical theatre
- Vocational grades, Intermediate and Advanced Foundation in dance
- Vocational grades, Advanced 1 and 2 in dance
On recognition to the RQF, qualifications regulated by Ofqual are given two level references on the Register of Regulated Qualifications in England. The first is the qualification's place within the RQF, the second an appropriate level of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), which improves the understanding and portability of qualifications across Europe. There are clear stages people move through in education and training that are common to many countries, and awarding organisations generally liaise with authorities around the world to promote the currency of their qualifications.
From first steps to higher education
The grades build cumulatively. Responsibility shifts gradually from the teacher to the learner, which is exactly the independence a performer needs beyond the exam room.
First steps
Core technique, and the habit of performing to an examiner.
Building skill
Wider repertoire and more independence in preparation.
Real command
Assured technique, musicality and interpretation on show.
Ready for more
Artistry suited to entry to higher education.
What happens in the exam room
Syllabuses set clear parameters for each grade, so preparation is transparent and there is no mandated coursework to complete first.
Prepare to the syllabus
Work covers technical exercises, prepared repertoire and, depending on the discipline, unseen tests and questions on theory.
Sit with an examiner
An external examiner assesses the candidate in person, applying the same published standard everywhere the grade is offered.
Receive a graded result
The result is an independent, recognised benchmark of what the candidate can genuinely do, ready for the next grade when they are.
Good to know
Do I have to start at grade 1?
No. The framework uses a progressive mastery model, so candidates can enter and exit at any point. Many start at the grade that matches where they already are.
Is coursework required?
No prescribed course is required to deliver a grade. Syllabuses set clear components, which teachers are free to build into their own curriculum.
Who sets the standard?
Each syllabus is designed and awarded by one of the awarding organisations, and every candidate is assessed independently by an external examiner.
Are materials available in other languages?
Materials are predominantly available in English, with translation considered on request. Contact the relevant awarding organisation for details.