Colleges and universities have withdrawn their accreditation of Ballet West's courses in the wake of claims of inappropriate behaviour against the school's Vice Principal. The boarding school in Taynuilt, Argyll, has been forced to close and a provisional liquidator has been appointed. Jonathan Barton has stepped down but denies all allegations.
The school, which was named "Best British Ballet School" for 2019/20 at the British Ballet Grand Prix, had launched an internal inquiry, committed to an external inquiry and informed Police Scotland, but instead is now urging students to report their experiences and concerns to Police Scotland. It has provided students with a list of other dance course providers.
Bath Spa University, which accounted for 70% of the school's student intake, terminated its relationship with Ballet West on 14 August. The Royal Academy of Dance then withdrew its accreditation and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) cancelled the HNC/HND courses there.