Qualifications
The aim of our courses are to not only develop the technique and artistry required to pursue future vocational training and a career, but also to allow you to show a clear progression in your skill set that is recognised nationally.
Sixth Form
Our Level 3 students will see advancement of their talent and skills, while achieving a nationally recognised qualification, and achieving up to 168 UCAS points to support their path into Higher Education.
Higher Education
Students studying on our higher education courses will develop their potential as a unique and individual performer, gaining higher education qualifications, whilst focusing on their goal of achieving professional employment.
OUR APPROACH
Our approach is some what different to other performing arts courses. We believe that a “One course” fits all approach will not allow our students to achieve their full potential and we feel this is our key responsibility.
Our courses offer over 25 contact hours per week, which across the academic year will include one to one tuition, group classes, industry workshops, multiple performance opportunities and more.
Within the BTEC Level 3 Extended National Diploma, students are encouraged to explore their specialism as part of the assessment criteria, whilst in the additional vocational hours they can explore & develop a variety of performing arts disciplines, with the aim of becoming a well-rounded performer.
Within our Higher Education training, Level 4 provides a basis of professional performing arts training, whilst Level 5 progresses the student to develop as a musical theatre specialist, in their own unique way.
All of our courses are structured with qualification hours, alongside vocational hours which aim to raise each student’s technical standard and performance skills. Combining this with confidence development, the courses enable students to continue their own personal journey, whether that be onto further education at the pad, progression to highly recognised performing arts establishments or into professional employment.
FEES
The PAD is a funded and private fee paying college. We offer both part funded and private placements within the courses.
Through our partnership with Central Bedfordshire College & The Bedford College Group, our students are able to achieve either a Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Performing Arts Practice, Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts or Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) (and subject to validation a BA Hons. Top-Up).
The additional fees charged for all of our courses are for the additional 14-18 hours per week of vocational training which The PAD provides under the private sector element of the courses and are not in association with Central Bedfordshire College or The Bedford College Group. Private fees are paid directly to the OPDA charity t/a The PAD.
Across all of The PAD courses, the private fees are for additional contact studio hours, developing the students vocational skills and is a key element to the success of training at The PAD. These hours focus on technical elements of performance skills and meeting the required standards for working professionally within the performance arts.
Level 3 Fees
The Education and School Funding Agency (ESFA) fund 15 hours a week for each student aged 16-18 years.
For September 2025/26 the additional private fees are £995 inc VAT, per academic term, for each academic year which is due privately to The PAD.
For fully private paying students who are not eligible for ESFA funding, course fees are £6602 per academic year for the qualification, plus private fees of £995 per term to The PAD. Students may be eligible for support from charities, as well as Advance Leaner Loans for the qualification fees. Our team would be happy to discuss this with you to find the best way of funding your course.
Higher Education Fees
Both HNC & HND qualifications at The PAD are eligible for student finance to cover the qualification costs of £6000 per academic year. Applications are made directly via the student finance website. This supports 14 hours of qualification contact hours per week.
For 2024 launch of the HNC, the additional private vocational fees are reduced to £1995 for the first year of Higher Education training at The PAD. A 3-instalment payment plan is available for the additional private fees, which cover the additional vocational training contact hours of between 14-18 hours per week. These private hours also include 1-2-1 training sessions for monologues and solo song preparation.