Rockschool music qualifications are tailor-made for the contemporary musician.
Ensemble Qualifications
Entry Level 1 – Level 1 Awards
Structured, regulated awards in collaborative performance
RSL’s Ensemble Qualifications recognise achievement through practical group performance across Acting, Dance, Music and Musical Theatre. These qualifications are regulated and designed to support measurable progression from Entry Level 1 through to Level 1.
Learners rehearse and perform as part of an ensemble while being assessed individually against clear learning outcomes. Centres retain flexibility in delivery while working within a nationally quality-assured framework.
The Ensemble Awards recognise real ensemble work. Learners develop the skills, knowledge and awareness required to rehearse, respond to others and contribute effectively within a group performance setting.
These qualifications replace and expand upon RSL’s previous Group Performance qualifications and now offer four distinct pathways: Ensemble Acting, Ensemble Dance, Ensemble Music and Ensemble Musical Theatre.
Why choose to deliver an RSL Ensemble qualification?
These qualifications provide formal recognition of collaborative performance within a regulated framework. They are designed to support structured progression from Entry Level 1 to Level 1 while maintaining the flexibility centres need for group-based delivery.
They suit schools, performing arts providers and community organisations seeking credible certification for ensemble work. The focus is clear assessment criteria, individual accountability within group performance, and external quality assurance that supports consistent national standards.
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Regulated on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
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Internally assessed and externally quality assured by RSL
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Designed for structured ensemble rehearsal and performance
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Individual assessment within a collaborative group setting
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Flexible delivery within existing classes or rehearsal programmes
*These qualifications are delivered through approved partners. Assessment is carried out internally by the centre and externally quality assured by RSL to ensure consistent national standards.
How it works
These qualifications are designed to integrate smoothly into your existing rehearsal, workshop or curriculum structure. Delivery is flexible, but assessment must align with the published learning outcomes and quality assurance requirements.
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Download the syllabus
Review the specification for your chosen pathway and level. This outlines the learning outcomes, assessment criteria, evidence requirements and quality assurance expectations. Mapping this to your current rehearsal or curriculum model ensures delivery aligns with the qualification standards from the outset.
02
Apply to become an Approved Partner
Centres must complete RSL’s approval process before offering the qualifications. Approval confirms that your organisation meets the requirements for internal assessment, quality assurance and evidence management.
Guidance and support are available throughout the application process.
03
Deliver, assess and submit for Quality Assurance
Deliver the qualification within your ensemble programme, assess learners internally and compile clearly labelled video evidence for each candidate. Following internal assessment, RSL’s External Quality Assurers reviews a sample of decisions to ensure consistency and national standards are maintained.
Once confirmed, certification is issued for successful learners.
Entry Requirements for Students
There are no formal entry requirements for these qualifications. Learners should be working at an appropriate standard for the level they are entered for and must be able to participate in structured ensemble rehearsal and performance in order to generate valid assessment evidence.
These qualifications are delivered through approved partners and are not available to private candidates.
What’s Involved?
Each qualification is internally assessed by the centre and externally quality assured by RSL.
Delivery is rooted in practical ensemble work. Learners rehearse and perform collaboratively while building ensemble awareness, learning how to respond, adapt and contribute effectively within a group performance context. They develop strand-specific technical skills appropriate to their level, alongside responsibility, focus and the ability to work to direction while maintaining their individual role within a shared outcome.
Video evidence must demonstrate rehearsal and performance activity. Although learners work as part of an ensemble, each candidate is assessed individually against the published learning outcomes.
Clear progression is built into the structure, moving from supported participation at Entry Level 1 to more independent and confident ensemble performance at Level 1.
Available at:
– Entry Level 1 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 2 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 3 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Level 1 – 20 Guided Learning Hours | 20Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
Ensemble Music focuses on collaborative musical performance and ensemble awareness. Learners develop the ability to rehearse and perform as part of a group, maintaining timing, balance and accuracy while listening and responding to others. Emphasis is placed on contributing confidently to a shared musical outcome rather than performing in isolation.
Progression across levels reflects increasing independence, technical control and awareness of ensemble balance and cohesion.
Assessment includes:
– Video evidence of rehearsal and ensemble performance
– Clear identification of each learner within recordings
– Individual assessment against the published learning outcomes
– Internal assessment by the centre
– External quality assurance by RSL
Available at:
– Entry Level 1 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 2 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 3 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Level 1 – 20 Guided Learning Hours | 20Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
Ensemble Dance develops coordination, spatial awareness and performance discipline within group choreography. Learners build confidence in working within formations, maintaining timing and musicality, and executing choreography with consistency. Focus is placed on performing cohesively as part of a structured ensemble.
As learners progress through the levels, they demonstrate increased control, performance quality and responsiveness within ensemble work.
Assessment includes:
– Video evidence of rehearsal and ensemble performance
– Demonstration of individual contribution within group choreography
– Individual assessment against learning outcomes
– Internal centre assessment
– External quality assurance by RSL
Available at:
– Entry Level 1 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 2 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 3 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Level 1 – 20 Guided Learning Hours | 20Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
Ensemble Musical Theatre integrates singing, movement and acting within a collaborative performance setting. Learners combine vocal, physical and dramatic skills while working within an ensemble cast. Emphasis is placed on responding to direction, maintaining character within group scenes and contributing to collective storytelling.
Progression reflects growing technical confidence, sustained performance focus and increased independence within ensemble roles.
Assessment includes:
– Video evidence of rehearsal and ensemble performance
– Clear demonstration of individual participation
– Individual assessment against learning outcomes
– Internal centre assessment
– External quality assurance by RSL
Available at:
– Entry Level 1 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 2 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Entry Level 3 – 15 Guided Learning Hours | 15Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
– Level 1 – 20 Guided Learning Hours | 20Hours Total Qualification Time | 2 credits
Ensemble Acting supports collaborative performance for stage or screen. Learners develop communication, interaction and character skills within shared performance work. Focus is placed on reacting to other performers, sustaining role integrity and contributing effectively to a group’s dramatic outcome.
Higher levels demonstrate greater independence, consistency and control within ensemble performance.
Assessment includes:
– Video evidence of rehearsal and performance (stage or screen)
– Individual assessment within the ensemble context
– Clear mapping of evidence to learning outcomes
– Internal centre assessment
– External quality assurance by RSL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Internal Assessment: Centres assess learners against the published learning outcomes.
External Quality Assurance: An RSL-appointed External Quality Assurer reviews a sample of assessment decisions to ensure national consistency.
Individual Assessment: Each learner is assessed individually, even when performing in a group.
Grading: Pass or Below Pass at learning outcome level. All learning outcomes must be passed to achieve the qualification.
Video Evidence: Centres submit video evidence clearly identifying each learner. There is no minimum performance length, but recordings must clearly evidence the assessment criteria.
Flexible Evidence: The same footage may contribute to multiple criteria if clearly labelled and signposted.
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These qualifications are available to approved RSL Partners only.
Centres must complete the approval process before delivering the awards. Guidance and support are available throughout the approval journey.
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Yes. They are designed to integrate into existing ensemble work.
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There is no fixed maximum, provided each learner’s contribution can be clearly evidenced.
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Yes. All evidence is uploaded digitally and assessed externally, within 12 months from registration.
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No. These qualifications must be delivered through an approved partner.
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Approval timelines vary depending on documentation, but most centres complete the process within a short timeframe once requirements are met.
Syllabus downloads
Download the Ensemble Awards syllabuses and relevant documentation to get started.
Interested in partnering with RSL Awards?
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