White Lodge, the historic campus of the Royal Ballet School located in Richmond Park, offers a distinctive blend of academic study and ballet training for students aged 11 to 16. Set within a former royal hunting lodge, the site has evolved into a purpose-built environment for nurturing young talent. Every aspect of life at White Lodge reflects a balance between scholastic development and professional dance preparation.
The daily structure at White Lodge begins early, with students rising by 7 a.m. to prepare for a full day of classes. Breakfast is served in the dining hall at 7:30 a.m., providing students with a nutritional foundation for their rigorous schedule. The morning then shifts into ballet training, which includes cardio warmups, barre exercises, and centre practice. These sessions are designed in accordance with the Royal Ballet School’s System of Training, helping students refine their technical foundation.
In addition to dance, students at White Lodge receive a full academic curriculum that includes subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, and the Arts. This dual focus ensures that students not only progress as dancers but also meet national academic standards. In their later years, pupils prepare for GCSE and iGCSE examinations, allowing them to maintain broad career options.
Afternoons at White Lodge feature a continuation of physical training, often expanding into dance styles beyond ballet, such as contemporary, jazz, and folk. Students also participate in athletic activities including fencing, which support physical resilience and cross-disciplinary coordination. Additional wellness support is provided through strength and conditioning classes, Pilates sessions, and supervised healthcare routines.
Beyond the studios and classrooms, the Royal Ballet School ensures students at White Lodge have access to well-rounded experiences. The residence facilities include dormitories grouped by year and gender, creating a social atmosphere akin to boarding with close friends. Recreational amenities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a football pitch, tennis and netball courts, and common rooms stocked with games and entertainment.
Many students also participate in musical training, preparing for examinations from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. These sessions often culminate in informal performances for peers and family, such as the annual Carol Concert held at Christ Church in East Sheen.
Evenings are structured to allow students to complete homework assignments and unwind. After dinner, quiet time in the dormitories allows for reading, rest, or light conversation. This carefully considered routine supports the physical demands of ballet training while nurturing mental wellness.
Weekends at White Lodge strike a different tone. With fewer formal classes, students enjoy more flexible meal times and extended rest. Outings to cinemas, parks, and local attractions are frequently organised, alongside in-house activities like baking, arts and crafts, or themed parties. These lighter moments play a vital role in building camaraderie and emotional resilience.
Guest speakers and ballet professionals frequently visit White Lodge to speak with students. Notable figures from the Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet offer personal insights and guidance on career development, audition readiness, and stagecraft. These talks are deeply valued by students, many of whom go on to audition for the Upper School after completing their time at White Lodge.
By combining top-tier ballet instruction with academic learning and personal development, White Lodge offers a comprehensive model of training. The Royal Ballet School continues to build on this foundation, ensuring that every student receives the tools and support necessary to pursue a professional dance career or a future beyond the stage.