Assistant Teacher Award
- Programme summary
- Programme breakdown
- Entry requirements
- Programme fees
- Student voices
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The Assistant Teacher Award is aimed at 14–18*-year-old dance students wishing to take their first steps towards a career in dance teaching.
The Award is open to students studying and taking classes in any dance genre, and provides opportunities to practice, develop and demonstrate a range of practical and professional skills required for successful dance teaching.
Under the guidance of an experienced Approved Tutor, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the studio, developing the professional and teaching skills expected of an Assistant Teacher. Your tutor will support you in building confidence, refining your technique and understanding the responsibilities of teaching.
You will gain key transferable skills for further study and future employment and this will offer you a stepping stone into a dance teaching career, a future teaching qualification and membership of the RAD.
On completion of the Award, you may receive discounts for further study with the Faculty of Education.
*14 years is the minimum age. While the focus of the programme is on 14-18 year olds, there is no upper age limit.
How will the Assistant Teacher Award work for me?
If you are a dance student aged between 14-18*, and are thinking of dance teaching as a career, the Assistant Teacher Award is a brilliant step towards finding out what it’s like to be a dance teacher.
You will work with an experienced Approved Tutor who has the expertise to work with you as an Assistant Teacher. Your Approved Tutor will provide you with studio-based opportunities where you will be able to demonstrate a range of professional and teaching competencies that might be expected of an Assistant Teacher
What’s involved?
Practical Experience: Complete 60 hours of assistant teaching in one or more dance genres, as agreed with your tutor.
Skills Development: Demonstrate a range of teaching and professional competencies through a continuous assessment model.
Self-Reflection: Submit a verbal or written reflective report on your learning journey and areas for growth.
Flexible Completion
The time it takes to complete the Award depends on your experience and availability. Most students finish within 1–2 years, but you can take up to 5 years if needed. Whether you’re balancing school work or other commitments, the Award is designed to fit around your life.
Supportive Assistance
You and your tutor will decide when you’re ready to demonstrate each competency. If you don’t succeed the first time, you’ll have multiple opportunities to try again—learning and growing with each step.
Recognition and Progression
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate and a detailed report of your achievements. While the Award doesn’t carry UCAS points, it provides valuable evidence of your personal, professional, and transferable skills—ideal for future employment or education applications.
As a bonus, if you choose to continue your journey into formal dance teaching qualifications, you’ll receive a discount on Faculty of Education programme fees at Level 4 and above.
Ready to get started?
Speak to a dance teacher approved to deliver the Award or contact us at faculty@rad.org.uk for more information.
Find out more about how to complete the Assistant Teacher Award and read about the structure and content of the Award.
You can take a look at our Assistant Teacher Award Approved Tutor List to find a tutor in your area.
*14 years is the minimum age. While the focus of the programme is on 14-18 year olds, there is no upper age limit.
The Assistant Teacher Award is aimed at 14-18* year old dance students.
You will need to work with an Approved Tutor in your local area.
*14 years is the minimum age. While the focus of the programme is on 14-18 year olds, there is no upper age limit.
Validated by:
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Duration
Varies -
Apply By
Varies -
Location:
Various -
Application
Varies -
Start
Varies -
Language
English -
Level/Credits
N/A
Fees for Assistant Teacher Award 2025/26
- Student Registration fee payable to the RAD: £35
- Students will also be required to pay a fee to the Approved Tutor for their training. This will be a fee the tutor deems appropriate for the level of training and observation undertaken in their own school.
We are very proud of our students and graduates here at the RAD.
Read about their different student experiences and where they are now through our Student Voices.
Grace Musante
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Student, aged 16, USA
I am part of the RAD Assistant Teacher program. Before joining, I already knew that when I graduated I would definitely want to come back to teach intermediate RAD classes. Now, in the program, I get to do that every week and, in the process, I learn new ways to effectively help my students improve through my classroom experience and with the AsTA curriculum. In my Primary RAD class with little kids, I love to watch the huge improvements they make every week. I am so thankful to be a part of this program.
Lea Patak
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Student, aged 15, USA
I have been working on my RAD Assistant Teacher Award. I have enjoyed it very much so far! I take great pleasure in adding to the development of dance in all the students I teach. I find it very rewarding to watch students, at any age or level, apply new knowledge and find joy in dance. I hope as I continue this program, I will be able to keep helping more students improve in a safe and healthy environment! This program is beneficial to teens not only looking to teach dance, but also to learn important leadership skills.
Emma Rose
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Student, aged 17, USA
I enjoy coming to my class each week and always learning something new. It is really interesting to work with a wide range of ages of dancers and watching the build up exercises to prepare for harder steps. Through this program, I feel I have become a better dancer and I have furthered my understanding of why we do each step and have found ways to help other dancers – which has also helped myself. This program is important for all dancers, even if they never want to include dance in their future. You learn how to handle different situations and not only become a better teacher, but a better person. Your own dancing and technique will also improve with more of an understanding of the proper ways to dance – posture, placement, breath and so much more!