Changes to White Lodge training programme progression
As part of The Royal Ballet School’s commitment to prioritising student development and well-being, Artistic Director Iain Mackay will implement a new assessment process for White Lodge Foundation Programme students.
Effective immediately, the School will no longer require students to audition at the end of the Foundation Programme in Year 9 to enter the Development Programme in Year 10. Instead of an audition, the School will implement a more tailored and supportive assessment process, like that in Years 7, 8 and 10.
This decision allows The Royal Ballet School to ensure a holistic approach, enabling students, especially in Year 9, to focus on their training and education and reducing stress and anxiety for both students and parents.
On the changes to the process, Artistic Director Iain Mackay said:
Our goal is to nurture and support all students holistically throughout their journey with the School. From the Foundation Programme in Year 7 through to the end of the Development Programme in Year 11, we’re committed to providing a rich educational experience that fosters their growth as both individuals and dancers.
Our selection process must ensure every opportunity for our students’ success. By removing the audition requirement in Year 9, we can focus on long-term growth and development, giving students the best chance to flourish academically and artistically at our School.
In this new approach, we will work closely with students, their parents/guardians, and staff during Years 8 and 9 to address any concerns and best support students. The School will provide tailored support and, if necessary, open a conversation early on about whether The Royal Ballet School is the best fit for a student’s continued development. This approach will also help minimise academic disruption for students in Years 10 and 11 at crucial points in their academic journey.
Only in cases where remaining at the School would hinder a student’s well-being and development, our Artistic and Academic staff will explore alternative training avenues to give every student the best opportunity for success.
Considering this change, all current Year 9 students will progress to the Development Programme, to ensure a smooth transition to this new approach.
The audition process from Year 11 to Upper School will remain unchanged.
