The Royal Ballet School has announced a significant evolution to its training model, unveiling changes that will reshape the entry pathway into full-time vocational training. From 2026, students of Year 7 age (11–12 years) will no longer be accepted into full-time study or boarding at the School. Instead, they will be offered enhanced part-time training through the national Associate centres, the International Scholars programme, and a new UK Scholars initiative.
The School will extend this model to Year 8 students from September 2027, marking a major structural shift in its training timeline. While the number of full-time training places will remain the same, these places will be redistributed across the older year levels, allowing students more time to develop before committing to intensive, residential training.
This decision follows extensive research and internal consultation, with input from dance educators, health professionals, sport scientists and safeguarding experts. It also reflects growing awareness across the dance and sporting worlds of the benefits of later specialisation for physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing.
“Foremost in our minds are the individual needs of our young dancers,” the School stated in its announcement. “This means providing supportive, nurturing training environments that meet their evolving needs and lead to long-term student success and well-being.”
The move away from full-time training at such a young age aims to better support the holistic development of students. As the School notes, students who specialise slightly later often demonstrate stronger mental resilience and enjoy healthier, more sustainable careers.
Kevin O’Hare CBE, Director of The Royal Ballet, offered strong support for the shift.
“In the ever-evolving world of best practice in vocational dance training, this new initiative by The Royal Ballet School feels timely and appropriate. The changes announced today place the needs of young people at their heart and have been carefully considered by the internal leadership team in collaboration with experts in the wider ballet and education system. As the School nears its centenary and continues to produce young dancers of exceptional talent, this is an important step for securing the ongoing commitment to the welfare and care of all its students. The Royal Ballet is fortunate in having so many of its dancers come through from the School, as our founding director Dame Ninette de Valois had always envisaged. I am in no doubt that this significant pathway will continue as the School steps positively into its next hundred years."
Carlos Acosta CBE, Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, echoed these sentiments.
"These new developments to the vocational training model at The Royal Ballet School reflect the School’s continuing commitment to providing optimum educational experiences, relevant to the needs of current day students." He said, "These changes follow meticulous research undertaken by the School’s leadership. I very much look forward to witnessing the positive impact that these changes will have on students’ ballet training and academic studies, further enhancing the School’s historic capacity for continuing to produce the finest artists and well-rounded individuals for the dance sector and beyond."
A New Chapter: UK Scholars and Enhanced Associates
The new UK Scholars programme will cater to a small number of exceptionally talented Year 7 students, identified via the national Associate network. These Scholars will receive enhanced opportunities including additional performance experiences, residential intensives, tailored mentoring and closer engagement with families and local teachers. The initiative will operate in tandem with the International Scholars programme, allowing students to receive high-quality training closer to home.
Additionally, all national Associate centres will adopt a new Mid Associate model, building on a successful trial in London. This model includes ballet conditioning, repertoire weekends, and bespoke development plans designed to support students’ growth prior to entering full-time training.
The School has emphasised that this will not reduce the number of students training full-time at the Royal Ballet School, but a realignment of when and how young dancers are supported.
“We want to reassure parents that this is not a reduction in opportunity but a rebalancing of when and how we nurture talented young dancers,” the School stated. “Our expanded Associate model will be central to that development journey.”
Currently, around 90% of Year 7 students who enter full-time training come through the Associate pathway. That route will now become even more integral to the School’s training framework.
The School is currently considering whether full-time training will begin at Year 9 or Year 10 in the future. This phased approach allows for careful monitoring and evaluation before setting a definitive new entry point. Importantly, students already accepted into Year 7 or Year 8 for 2025 will not be affected by this change and will continue to receive the same high level of support and care.
Two online Q&A sessions will be held in August to address questions from families and teachers. The forums will be led by Artistic Director Iain Mackay, Head of Associate Programme Victoria Collinson, and Head of Admissions Kim Sheard.
As The Royal Ballet School approaches its centenary, this strategic move signals a renewed commitment to dancer wellbeing, balanced development, and long-term excellence.
“The Royal Ballet School remains dedicated to nurturing the dancers of tomorrow—balancing excellence with care and ensuring every child has the best possible chance to thrive.”
Read the full statement here.