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

Fees & Funding

The Performing Arts Depot (The PAD) operates as both a government-funded and privately supported training college. Across all courses, students have access to funded academic study alongside optional additional vocational training delivered by The PAD.

Through our partnership with Central Bedfordshire College and The Bedford College Group, students studying at The PAD can work towards nationally recognised qualifications including:

Level 3 Extended National Diploma in Performing Arts Practice
Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts
Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre)
(Subject to validation) BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree

The PAD’s additional vocational training is delivered independently from Central Bedfordshire College and The Bedford College Group. Any private training fees relate solely to the extra studio-based training hours provided by The PAD and are paid directly to OPDA Charity trading as The PAD.

These additional hours form an important part of the training experience at The PAD, giving students extended contact time to strengthen technical ability, professional performance standards, and industry-ready skills across multiple disciplines.

Level 3 Fees & Funding (2026/2027)

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice

Course Length: 2 Years
Awarding Body: Pearson (delivered in partnership with Central Bedfordshire College & The Bedford College Group)

Total Annual Cost: £2,995

This includes:

Government-funded academic delivery
Optional additional vocational training provided privately by The PAD

1. Government-Funded BTEC Programme

For students aged 16–18, the academic BTEC qualification is fully funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Included:

15–18 hours of academic study per week
Delivery in partnership with Central Bedfordshire College and The Bedford College Group
Full BTEC curriculum delivered at The PAD

Cost: £0 for eligible students aged 16–18

Students do not need to apply separately for this funding, as it is automatically allocated upon enrolment.

2. Additional Vocational Training Fee

Annual Fee: £2,995 (Breakdown: £2,495.83 + £499.17 VAT)

Paid to: OPDA Charity T/A The PAD

This fee covers the additional vocational studio training offered by The PAD beyond the funded BTEC programme.

Flexible payment plans may be available depending on individual circumstances.

Important Information

The additional private sector training is entirely optional and is not required in order to complete or achieve the BTEC qualification.

What Are Private Sector Hours?

Students who choose to take part in private sector training will receive an additional 10–15 hours of studio-based vocational training each week across the two-year course.

Training may include:

Private singing lessons
Ensemble singing
Guest industry masterclasses
Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Commercial
Acting
Acting through song
Performance class

These sessions and fees are managed independently by The PAD and are not connected to Central Bedfordshire College or The Bedford College Group.

Scholarships

The PAD offers both full and partial scholarships towards private sector training fees.

Scholarships are awarded based on:

Audition performance
Means testing

As scholarship funding is provided internally and not externally funded, applicants may be asked to provide detailed financial information during the assessment process.

Scholarship availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed.

HNC & HND Fees & Funding (2026/2027)

HNC & HND in Performing Arts

Course Length: 2 Years
Awarding Body: The Bedford College Group

Students may also be eligible to apply for student finance support to assist with tuition fees and living costs.

Total Annual Cost: £9,495

(£7,500 tuition fee + £1,995 additional vocational training fee)

1. HNC & HND Tuition Fees

Annual Tuition Fee: £7,500

Paid to: The Bedford College Group

This fee covers the academic delivery of the HNC and HND Performing Arts qualifications delivered at PAD Studios by The PAD.

Most eligible UK students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan through Student Finance England to cover the full tuition amount, meaning no upfront payment is usually required.

2. Additional Vocational Training Fee

Annual Fee: £1,995

(Breakdown: £1,662.50 + £332.50 VAT)

Paid to: OPDA Charity T/A The PAD

This fee contributes towards the additional vocational training delivered privately by The PAD.

Flexible payment plans may be available depending on personal circumstances.

Important Information

These additional vocational training hours are optional and are not required to complete either the HNC or HND qualification.

What Are Private Sector Hours?

Private sector training provides students with an additional 14–18 hours per week of intensive studio-based vocational training throughout the course.

Training may include:

Weekly 1:1 singing technique lessons *term 1 & 2 per year
Ensemble singing
Guest masterclasses
Commercial
Acting
Acting through song
Song & dance
Performance class

Scholarships

The PAD is proud to provide both full and partial scholarships towards private sector training.

Scholarships are assessed using:

Audition performance
Means testing

As these awards are funded directly by The PAD and not by external organisations, detailed financial information may be requested during the application process.

Scholarships are limited and subject to availability.