The Royal Ballet School provides full-time training for students aged 11 to 16 at White Lodge, a historic estate set in Richmond Park. This residential environment offers a structured routine that balances rigorous ballet instruction with academic education and recreational activities. Students live and study in a setting designed to support their growth as artists and individuals, with access to professional studios, a theatre, academic classrooms, and a range of health and wellness services.
Each morning at the Royal Ballet School begins at 7 a.m., with breakfast served at 7:30. This early start supports the School’s goal of preparing students for the demands of a professional ballet career. Dance classes commence at 8:30 with warm-ups and cardio, followed by barre and centre work. Students receive daily instruction in classical technique, taught using the School’s System of Training, which integrates anatomical understanding with musicality and performance expression.
Academic education is central to the White Lodge experience. Students attend lessons in Maths, Science, English, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts. The curriculum progresses toward GCSE and iGCSE examinations in the later years. Teachers coordinate with the Artistic team to ensure students manage their academic responsibilities alongside their dance commitments. The Royal Ballet School’s academic programme is structured to offer both challenge and support, equipping students for future academic or vocational pathways.
In the afternoons, students explore dance genres beyond ballet. These include character, jazz, folk, and contemporary, broadening their versatility and understanding of movement. They also participate in sports such as fencing and strength training, supported by healthcare professionals who monitor their development. The Royal Ballet School’s in-house healthcare team is available throughout the day, offering services in physiotherapy, nutrition, and psychological wellbeing through the Healthcare Suite.
Performance preparation is an integral part of life at White Lodge. Students often rehearse for appearances with The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, taking on children’s roles in ballets such as The Nutcracker and Cinderella. These opportunities give young dancers experience on professional stages like the Royal Opera House. The Royal Ballet School treats these experiences as extensions of classroom learning, providing context for students’ technical training and artistic development.
Evening routines at the Royal Ballet School include dinner, homework sessions, and quiet time in dormitories. The School promotes a sense of community within its boarding houses, where students live in year-grouped accommodations. Shared activities and social events, such as film nights and art projects, foster friendships and encourage a positive living environment. The School recognises the importance of downtime in supporting both mental health and physical recovery.
Weekends at White Lodge offer a change of pace. Students may return home, participate in supervised outings, or take part in optional activities on campus. Trips to museums, parks, and local attractions complement their cultural education. The Royal Ballet School also hosts special events, such as holiday celebrations and guest lectures, which enrich the residential experience. These activities help students form lasting memories and deepen their appreciation for the arts.
The School’s support systems extend into all aspects of student life. Meal planning accommodates dietary needs, and guest chefs occasionally contribute to the menu. Staff coordinate closely to ensure each student receives the attention they need, whether in academic tutoring, artistic coaching, or emotional wellbeing. The Royal Ballet School prioritises balance, offering an environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the studio.
By combining world-class dance education with academic instruction and structured residential life, the Royal Ballet School creates a holistic training experience. White Lodge students graduate with a foundation that supports entry into Upper School and, eventually, professional companies. The structure and values embedded in their daily routine prepare them for the expectations and responsibilities of a ballet career.