Centre for Advanced Training

The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) scheme is a year-long progressive training programme for young people from across the UK. This programme is available to participants aged 11 to 18 years who demonstrate exceptional potential in performing and circus arts. Successful applicants are provided with one year of free training. The National Centre for Circus Arts runs the circus strand of this scheme in partnership with our host school, the London Contemporary Dance School at The Place.

Find out more about the National Centres for Advanced Training.

CAT students can train as part of the London Youth Circus programme every Sunday or train at another circus school, elsewhere in the country, as an External CAT student.

All CAT students must commit to additional training during the week and other enrichment opportunities provided through the scheme. The average training hours per week for a CAT students range from 11 – 18 hours

Note: while this is circus focussed, other performing arts and physical activity also count towards this total both in and out of an educational setting. (E.g. After school drama classes or in school athletics training could also count towards the training totals).

Your training schedule will be discussed and agreed upon acceptance of a place on the programme.

Please note although the scheme is for 11 – 18 year olds, the last entry point at application is 16 years of age.

Funding

The CAT scheme is a government initiative funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and managed by the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). The MDS provides targeted means-tested fee support and grants to designated centres of excellence for the education and vocational training of young musicians and dancers.

Grants are graded on income of both parents before tax. Students can be eligible for full or part grant – where a part grant is offered parents pay a termly contribution towards the scheme.

Who it’s for

The CAT scheme is available to anyone; you do not need to be a current student at the National Centre for Circus Arts to apply.

Potential CAT students may not have taken a circus class before, or they may have already enrolled on our youth classes or be taking circus classes elsewhere, all are invited to apply.

Becoming a CAT student at the National Centre means you will be enrolled as part of our London Youth Circus programme and take on extra classes that are intended for CAT students only.

You don’t need to be the most flexible or strongest in your class. We are looking for CAT students to show:

• Potential
• Commitment and dedication to taking your training to the next level
• A genuine passion for circus and interest in the arts for the future

What you’ll need to do

From all of our CAT students we expect dedication, commitment and an excellent attitude towards training. As this is a government funded scheme, students must adhere to guidelines to be on the programme. It’s important to point out that if these expectations do not suit your current schedule, then the CAT scheme may not be for you:

• Weekly circus training – approximately 11-18 hours per week
• Committed attendance – CAT students must attend at least 80% of their classes
• Attendance at regular training plan meetings
• Attendance at intensive training opportunities, held three times a year during half-term breaks.

Training and Support

Additional training and support provided through the CAT scheme includes:

• Mentoring – parents and students take part in termly meetings. These are specialised training schedules which allow us to set goals and targets (‘individual training plans’) and talk about where the student’s training could go next.
• Intensive workshops – students work with professional performing and teaching companies to enhance and learn new skills.
• Trips to see shows – subject to availability, students will be offered tickets to see shows throughout the year.
• Access to additional circus skill and fitness classes during the week at the National Centre for Circus Arts.
• Paid support to take external classes at other training centres (theatre, dance, gymnastics etc).