APEL Application form

APEL Application Form
GUIDELINES

Please read this application form in full and complete all required sections.

Applications must be completed in English.

Please write “Not Applicable” where relevant.

Please include the following with your application:

- Copies of certificates for relevant qualifications

- Referee name and contact details

Once you have completed the form, submit it with the required documents by selecting "Submit" at the end of the form.

When we receive your application and supporting documents, the Education and Training Department will contact you about next steps.

The closing date for applications is 30th April 2026.

Personal information
Full name

First namesurname
Date of birth

DayMonthYear
Date
ISTD Membership Number
Email
example@example.com
Telephone number
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityCountry

Postal / Zip Code

Dance Teaching Experience

Please list your teaching experience, starting with the most recent. Include your own school if you are or were self‑employed.

	Name and Address of Employer	Position Held	Level / Genre / Subject(s) Taught	Dates (From - To)
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2
3
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5
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7
8
9
10

Professional Dance Experience

Please list your professional dance experience, starting with the most recent. You may include performing roles and any other relevant work.

	Name and Address of Employer / Company	Details of work	Date (From - To)
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Educational/Vocational Background - Qualifications

Please list your highest education qualification or vocational training in each genre, along with the awarding body. Include only qualifications from Intermediate level onwards, or Elementary if awarded before 2000. Please provide photocopies of certificates for any qualifications listed.

Educational Qualifications

	Name of school/teacher	Dates (From - To)	Awarding Body	Genre	Qualification Title	Result
1
2
3
4
5
6

Please upload copies of your certificates here

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Vocational Qualifications

	Name of school/teacher	Dates (From - To)	Awarding Body	Genre	Qualification Title	Result
1
2
3
4
5
6

Please upload copies of your vocational certificates

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Qualifications Currently Being Undertaken

Please list any qualifications you are currently studying for.

	Name of school	Dates (From - To)	Awarding Body	Qualification Title	Level	Result	Expected Date of Achievement
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2
3
4
5

Any other relevant CPD courses or qualifications you have gained

Please list any relevant CPD courses you have attended or qualifications you have gained, such as child protection training, first aid, or syllabus courses.

	Name of school	Dates (From - To)	Awarding Body	Qualification Title	Level	Result	Expected Date of Achievement
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2
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5

Personal Statement
Why do you want to study the qualification you are applying for?
Max 300 words
How has your current knowledge and experience prepared you to complete the ISTD qualification you have chosen?

0/300
How do you believe completing this qualification will support your personal and professional development?

0/300

Referee details

Please provide contact details for a relevant referee who can verify your teaching or professional dance experience. This must not be a family member or friend.
Full Name
Occupation
Relationship to you
Email Address
Telephone number

Terms and Conditions of the APEL Scheme
The terms and conditions below apply to the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) Scheme only.

Application processing
Applications received by 30 April 2026 will be processed by 31 July 2027.

Authority and procedure
Applications will be considered by the APEL Panel. The Panel is made up of the Head of Strategic Project Development and either the Head of Dancesport Qualifications or the Head of Theatre Qualifications, depending on your application. Applicants will be invited to attend a short online interview with the Panel to discuss their application and future training interests.

Panel recommendations will be sent to an Internal Panel and then to the Qualifications and Development Committee (QDC) for approval. The QDC decision is final.

Validity
Successful applicants will receive a letter confirming exemption from the entry requirements for the named examination. This exemption is valid for three years from the date of the letter.

If the applicant does not take the named examination within this period, they will need to reapply for exemption under the APEL scheme.

Data protection
Personal data will be processed in line with the 1998 Data Protection Act. The ISTD will process your data according to the data protection principles, take appropriate measures to safeguard it, and keep it only for as long as needed.

The ISTD may use your information to contact you about matters related to dance and ISTD activities that may be of interest to you.

APEL Confirmation
I confirm that I have read and understood the terms and conditions, and that the information I have provided on this application form is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Should be Empty:

APEL Application Form

Personal information

APEL request

Dance Teaching Experience

Professional Dance Experience

Educational/Vocational Background - Qualifications

Qualifications Currently Being Undertaken

Any other relevant CPD courses or qualifications you have gained

Personal Statement

Referee details

Terms and Conditions of the APEL Scheme

APEL Confirmation