Approved Dance Centres consist of vocational colleges and independent schools which have undergone an approval process, including inspection, to ensure they meet the ISTD and QCA standards. These include:

• the ability to provide an appropriate educational experience for students registered for ISTD teaching qualifications

• suitably qualified and experienced teaching staff

• appropriate physical facilities i.e. studio size, flooring, lighting

• staff training procedures for assessment

• appropriate mechanisms of governance and administrative procedures

• effective quality assurance

• robust health and safety complaints and appeals mechanisms

Once granted, approval lasts for three years at which point Centres undergo a re-approval process.

Candidates’ teaching is assessed through the Approved Dance Centre by a tutor who is registered within that centre. This ensures standardisation of assessments and facilities for candidates.

These registered tutors have also undergone an approval process to ensure they have the right skills, qualifications and experience and then attend specialised Tutor Training arranged by ISTD HQ focused specifically on the ISTD teaching qualifications and the generic skills required of teachers across all sectors.