It takes students aged 11–19 years who intend to pursue a career in professional classical ballet.

[1]: p.8 One of the earliest vocational dance schools in the United Kingdom, Elmhurst was established in 1923 in Camberley, Surrey, by Mrs Helen Ida Mortimer in the grounds of the Prep School run by Miss Violet Crisp.

[2] The school moved to purpose-built premises in Edgbaston, Birmingham in 2004.

[4]: p.2  In addition to day students, there is on-site boarding accommodation for up to 121 resident students and off-site boarding for 30 sixth-formers.

[1]: p.4 Robert Parker, a former Birmingham Royal Ballet principal dancer, has been Artistic Director since 2012.