RAD Exams

RAD Exams

The Royal Academy of Dance offers a system of examinations operating in 64 countries worldwide and these are accredited in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Examinations provide a goal for children and students and an opportunity to show their achievements in the performance of their work on the day of the exam. We like to think of the examination day as special and to be enjoyed. However, please note, exams are not compulsory.

  • As WBS is renowned for its high standard, I will only enter those students who are ready for the exam. This depends on how focused and hard-working they are in class, how quickly the work is learnt, and on good attendance.
  • Students wishing to take exams will be required to attend all regular classes plus 1 extra coaching lesson per week (usually 5 weeks before) and to practice at home at least once a week, please refer to the RAD Shop online for CDs and DVDs.
  • Additional fees must be paid for additional lessons and the exam

There is a closing date for exams and late fees cannot be accepted

  • Exam results are usually issued to me 6 weeks after the exam. Please feel free to contact me for the result.
  • Certificates and the breakdown report arrive after this and I will give them to the children ASAP.

RAD Exams Information

Below is information regarding the ballet training programme for your son or daughter.

The Royal Academy of Dance offers two avenues of training, graded and vocational. We hope you find this information helpful and we are happy to answer any questions you might have about the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and training.

Graded Exams (Pre-Primary, Primary, Grades 1-5)

The basis of our ballet program is the Royal Academy of Dance graded syllabus. Students begin with lower grades and work upwards. The first presentation class is performed in front of the examiner and is Pre-Primary. Students enter the exam studio with their teacher and up to 8 students. from Primary upwards students enter exams on their own in groups of up to four students. Grade 5 is equivalent to a GCSE.

Higher Grades (Grades 6-8)

The higher grades are created for mature dancers and contain beautiful choreography which includes challenging classical enchainments and solos as well as free movement and character work. Grade 8 is the final award of the grade levels and students who achieve this level will receive an award certificate. Students in grade 8 exam appear in the exam room on their own and perform a series of demanding solo variations. Pointe work is NOT seen in the higher grades. Grade 8 is equivalent to an A-Level.

Vocational Grades

Intermediate Foundation & Intermediate

Vocational exams are intended for students who want to take their dancing more seriously and may even consider dance as a career. Vocational exam training is a very serious commitment and requires hours in the studio, maturity and a positive response to corrections at all times. Dancers being considered for vocational exams need these qualities as well as the physical aptitude such as core stability, strength, turnout and flexibility for the work. Students will be chosen to enter into a vocational exam when their teachers feel they are ready. Some students may study the vocational grades to assist with their normal grades class and technique but they might not end up taking the vocational exam. Pointe work is seen in the vocational grades.

Which is right for my child - grades or vocational?

The work for the graded exams and the vocational exams is both challenging and exciting. Most students are able to work towards the graded exams but only some students can continue with the vocational exams. In many cases, we encourage students to do both simultaneously so they can benefit from both. Please understand that even though your son or daughter is studying a specific grade there is no guarantee that they will be able to take their exam.

When will we determine when girls are ready for pointe work?

The general rule of thumb is that students begin pointe work at the Intermediate Foundation level. We will look at the students’ age and development. Also, students may have a staggered entry into pointe work depending on their strength of posture, legs and feet as well as shape and flexibility of their feet and ankles. Some students may not be suitable for pointe work but can still continue to dance and learn the syllabus.

Can students take both Grades and Vocational Exams simultaneously?

Yes