The Royal Ballet School offers an educational program that integrates rigorous ballet instruction with a comprehensive academic curriculum. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education while preparing for professional careers in dance. Located at White Lodge, the institution supports the dual development of both intellectual and artistic potential from an early age.
Each day begins with classical ballet training grounded in the Royal Ballet School’s unique System of Training. These sessions include barre work, centre practice, and cardio conditioning. Instruction is carefully sequenced to develop physical strength, coordination, and expressive movement. Mornings are shaped around this discipline, setting the tone for the rest of the day.
Academic education follows, with students studying a full range of subjects including Mathematics, Science, English, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts. The Royal Ballet School aligns its academic instruction with GCSE and iGCSE standards, ensuring that students are well-prepared for formal examinations. Lessons take place in dedicated classrooms on the White Lodge campus, where students balance the demands of both academic and ballet instruction throughout the school day.
In addition to standard coursework, students participate in studies that complement their dance education. These include music theory, which supports rhythm and musicality, and physical education that covers fencing, Pilates, and strength conditioning. The Royal Ballet School recognizes that a dancer’s development is not confined to the studio and thus provides opportunities for learning in both physical and cognitive domains.
The curriculum also incorporates training in non-classical dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, character, and folk. This diversity of instruction helps dancers build versatility and adaptability, two traits essential for success in modern ballet companies. These dance forms are often taught in the afternoons, providing a shift in pace from the classical sessions of the morning.
Healthcare and wellbeing are built into the daily rhythm. Students can access the on-site Healthcare Suite for physical therapy or injury support. The Smartabase app on their iPads allows them to book appointments and track their health. The Royal Ballet School emphasizes the importance of managing physical and emotional wellbeing alongside the academic and dance workloads.
Students have regular opportunities to apply their learning through rehearsals and performances. These may involve participation in major productions with leading companies such as the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. By contributing to professional productions like The Nutcracker and Cinderella, students gain invaluable stage experience while still enrolled at the Royal Ballet School.
Admission is based entirely on potential and demonstrated talent in classical ballet. A substantial portion of students—88%—receive financial support. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the academic and artistic opportunities offered at the Royal Ballet School are available to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
The Royal Ballet School continues to deliver an education that merges the pursuit of artistic excellence with academic achievement. Its curriculum supports the full development of young dancers, providing them with the intellectual grounding and practical skills needed for success both on and off the stage.