The Place - Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Admissions Workshop

The Place's Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Admissions Workshop is the entry assessment session for its pre-vocational dance programme for young people. CAT offers specialist training in contemporary dance, fusion, creative studies and ballet, alongside health and wellbeing support, theatre trips and careers guidance.

Classes run during term time (Saturday afternoons 12:30-17:45 and two weekday evening classes) and students also take part in holiday choreographic intensives and extra projects throughout the year.

To attend an Admissions Workshop you must complete the online Application Form via the 'Apply Now' button on the event page. Applicants take part in a 2-hour practical workshop in front of a small panel following a tour of the building; parents and carers are invited to a presentation about the CAT programme.

You do not need previous formal dance training to apply, but applicants must be aged between 11-16 on 1 September 2025 (applications accepted from age 10 if turning 11 by September). After the admissions workshop, the CAT team will notify applicants by email about offers for September intake.

The CAT programme is funded by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme (MDS) and grants are available (means-tested) to cover all or part of the course fee. Families who do not qualify for a grant will be required to pay the full fee; the site references a maximum course fee of £4,193.

The CAT Associate pre-CAT provision is available for students not yet ready for the full programme (fee £500/year) and is aimed at those living in or near London or able to travel to London.