DirectoryRichmond upon ThamesSeniorThe Royal Ballet School
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The Royal Ballet School

The Royal Ballet School is a world-leading centre for classical ballet training, offering education and training for students aged 11 to 19.

Richmond upon ThamesSeniorCo EdAges 11–19Both280 pupils
Day fees
£29,673
How competitive entry is
AuditionCompetitive entry
Pupils
280
Founded
1926
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026Provisional
62.7/100
67% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes39
Destinations & outcomes72
Future-readiness62
Pastoral & wellbeing82
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add31
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Westminster for ages 11–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 11–19) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

The Royal Ballet School is dedicated to nurturing artistic excellence and personal growth through exceptional ballet training, creative programmes, and community engagement, inspiring students to become courageous artists and individuals.

Activities & co-curricular

music

Music ConcertMusic Concerts

drama

Local PerformancesCollaborative Dance ProjectsCollaborative Dance ProjectCreative Artist Programme

other

Audition Insight ClassesDance ClassesPrimary Insight EventsCommunity PerformancesPrimaryStepsAssociate Insight Classes

Facilities

arts

The Royal Ballet SchoolMusic Practice RoomsThe Royal Ballet School StudiosTheatre Facilities

boarding

White Lodge

Latest exam results

10%
A-level A*–A
45%
GCSE 9–7
0%
Oxbridge offer rate
0%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2024 results

Where leavers go

2024
Cohort5
US Ivy0

Recent coverage

In 2026, The Royal Ballet School marked its centenary with a series of notable events, including the opening of a centenary exhibition at the Royal Opera House and exclusive celebrations at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace. The School announced a significant change to its Upper School training auditions, replacing auditions with an assessment process for 2nd Year students progressing to the Pre-professional Year starting September 2026. Additionally, four Pre-professional Year students performed at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix International Dance School Festival at Lincoln Center, showcasing the School’s ongoing commitment to excellence in ballet training.

Notable alumni

Margot Fonteyn (ballerina)Darcey Bussell (ballerina)Carlos Acosta (ballerino)Alina Cojocaru (ballerina)Steven McRae (ballerino)Miyako Yoshida (ballerina)Edward Watson (ballerino)
Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

How well does The Royal Ballet match?

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 May 2024
Registration closesPassed
15 Oct 2025
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 May 202415 Oct 2025TBCClosed

Open events

Dates to be confirmed
Full-time and Associate Programme AuditionsApplications open annually from September
Dates TBC
Associate Insight Day for Parents and Dance TeachersCentenary Year 2026
Dates TBC

Fees

£29,673per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £29,673VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £234,366
vs London avg (£24,000)24% above
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
2
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

Wellbeing

We want everyone within our organisation to have the tools they need to shape their futures as healthy, resilient human beings. Last week, we held a Wellbeing Week at the School for both staff and students, and while we know these initiatives don’t transform individuals’ wellbeing overnight, we love them as gentle reminders to us all of the robust support we have available year-round. We’re proud of our top pastoral and welfare team, which includes clinical psychologists and counsellors, and of our HR team who offer plenty of in-house programmes and services as well as connections to national organisations.

Inspection

Isi 25 Nov 2025

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Standards met
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

autumn4 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 20 Oct 2025–31 Oct 2025
spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer16 Apr 20263 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–29 May 2026

Policies & documents

Schools like The Royal Ballet School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

72%

English National Ballet School

Kensington and Chelsea · Senior · Ages 16–19
£22,437
71%

Central School of Ballet

Southwark · Senior · Ages 16–18
£9,525 – £23,614
68%

London Vocational Ballet School

Hammersmith and Fulham · Pre Prep · Ages 3–16
£16,221
60%

Royal Russell School

Croydon · All Through · Ages 3–18
Fees TBC
60%

Sylvia Young Theatre School

Westminster · Senior · Ages 3–18
£21,828
59%

Westminster School

Westminster · All Through · Ages 16–18
£32,529 – £49,950

Questions parents ask

Common questions about The Royal Ballet School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is The Royal Ballet School best for?+

Independent co-ed all-through school in Westminster for ages 11–19, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

2 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at info@royalballetschool.org.uk or phone on +44 (0)20 8948 5200. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to The Royal Ballet School — see the "Schools like The Royal Ballet School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 14 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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