What is the Junior Performing Arts Academy and who is it for?
The Junior Performing Arts Academy is a place where students who are passionate about all areas of the performing arts can further hone their skills. The academy is for students who love performing to a live audience and have a talent and passions in all three performing arts disciplines – drama, dance and singing.

How does my son / daughter gain a place in the Junior Performing Arts Academy?
Entry to the academy is through aptitude testing. To gain a place in the Junior Performing Arts Academy, students must attend a performing arts aptitude audition on Saturday 12th October 2024 at 9.00am. Application forms can be downloaded from the school website and must be submitted direct to the school by Monday 7th October 2024 at 3.00pm.

What is the point of the aptitude auditions?
Admission by aptitude auditions have two functions:
• To give an opportunity to attend Shenfield for those students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to gain admission.
• To give information to the school about a student’s aptitude for performing arts so that the student has the opportunity to be considered for the Performing Arts Academy.

What will my child need to prepare for the audition?
Successful students who are called to audition will have an individual audition where they must perform a dramatic monologue from a published play (no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds) and then EITHER a song or a dance (no longer than 1 minute 30 seconds).

How will my child be assessed?
A score is awarded based on a set of criteria. Following the audition, you will receive a letter stating whether their performance was OUTSTANDING,  GOOD or PROFICIENT. 

Will all students be auditioned?
No, the strongest applications will be called for auditions.

Does my son / daughter need to be proficient in all three disciplines to gain a place in the academy?
No, the Junior Performing Arts Academy is for gifted singers, dancers and actors. A student may be stronger in one discipline, but to be successful in the academy members need to have an interest in all three areas and be eager to develop their skills further.

What are the benefits of joining the Performing Arts Academy?
Four performing arts sessions a week outside of their normal school timetable as well as professional workshops, live performance opportunities, trips to see live productions and one-to-one audition guidance.

When will I find out if my child is being called for an audition?
The deadline for applications is Monday 7th October 2024 at 3.00pm. All applicants will receive an email week commencing 7th October informing them whether their application has been successful or not. Successful applicants will be called to audition on Saturday 12th October 2023 at 9.00am. Students will be given an exact audition time. We recommend you keep the audition date and morning free.

What if I can’t make the date of the audition?
Apply in the usual way but make a note on the application. If we would like your child to audition, we will then call to attempt to arrange an alternative date.

When will we find out the result of the audition?
All candidates will receive an email from Shenfield High School no later than Friday 25th October 2024. You will be contacted by Essex in March to say whether you have gained a place at Shenfield High School.

Does my child still need to audition even if they are likely to get a place at the school (meet higher admission criteria)?
Yes, all students wanting to be a part of the Junior Performing Arts Academy are invited to audition. Students who do the aptitude tests may gain admission to the school through another criterion on our Admissions Criteria but by doing the aptitude test you are demonstrating your talent and indicating that you would like to be part of the Junior Performing Arts Academy if you get a place in the school.

How many Junior Performing Arts Academy places will be offered to Year 6 students joining SHS in September 2024:
There are 14 available places in the September 2024 intake to the Junior Performing Arts Academy. Up to 12 of these places will be allocated through the aptitude auditions.

If you have any further questions please feel free to email Mrs Sherwood – Lead Teacher: Junior Performing Arts Academy: e.sherwood@shenfield.essex.sch.uk