Examinations Guide
Minimum ages, study hours and entry requirements for RAD Ballet and ISTD examinations. A practical guide to help families understand the dance exam framework.
Important to know before you read on
While all ages listed are minimum recommended ages, there are no maximum age limits for any examination. Entry for all examinations is entirely at the discretion of our principal and class teachers. We recommend students from RAD Grade 1 attend two ballet classes per week, and from Grade 4 onwards, three classes per week.
What does 100 hours of study actually look like?
For ISTD syllabuses, the recommended minimum is 100 hours per level per genre. In practice, one class per week can suggest around two years per grade. However, student absence, school holiday breaks, and show terms (where production choreography becomes the focus alongside syllabus work) all affect progression. Please speak with Miss Danielle if you have questions about your child's readiness for examination.
RAD Ballet Grades
The RAD specifies guided learning hours from the graded levels. Guided hours are time in class with Miss Danielle. Self-study hours are home practice, watching recordings, and personal rehearsal. For Pre-Primary and Primary in Dance, the study hours shown are our own guidance, as the RAD does not publish guidelines for these levels.
Pre-Primary in Dance Ballet
Primary in Dance Ballet
The 40 hours is our own guidance; the RAD does not publish study-hour guidelines for Pre-Primary or Primary in Dance.
Grade 1 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 50 guided + 10 self = 60 hrs
Grade 2 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 50 guided + 10 self = 60 hrs
Grade 3 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 50 guided + 10 self = 60 hrs
Grade 4 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 60 guided + 15 self = 75 hrs. 3 classes per week recommended from this grade.
Grade 5 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 60 guided + 15 self = 75 hrs
Grade 6 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 70 guided + 30 self = 100 hrs
Grade 7 Ballet
Solo Performance Award: 70 guided + 30 self = 100 hrs
Grade 8 Ballet
RAD Vocational Levels
These levels follow on from Grade 5 and carry international recognition equivalent to A-Level and higher qualifications. Intermediate does not require Intermediate Foundation as a prerequisite. From Advanced Foundation onwards, students must pass each level before progressing to the next.
ISTD Examinations
The ISTD recommends a minimum of 100 hours of study at each level in each genre. This covers Tap, Modern Theatre, National and Contemporary syllabuses.
Tap and Modern Theatre
Pre-Primary Tap
Present in class examination
Primary Tap and Modern Theatre
Grades 1 to 6 (Tap and Modern Theatre)
Minimum 100 hours of study at each level in each genre
Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and 2
Must have passed the preceding level. Min 100 hours per level.
ISTD National
Primary National Class
Present in class examination
Primary Graded
Grades 1 to 6 (National)
Minimum 100 hours of study at each level
Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced 1 and 2
Must have passed the preceding level. Min 100 hours per level.
ISTD Contemporary
Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced 1
Currently the only levels available on the ISTD Contemporary syllabus
Setting the Right Expectations
No maximum age
All minimum ages are just that: minimums. There is no upper age limit for any examination. Adults are welcome to work towards any grade.
Entry is at our discretion
Miss Danielle and class teachers decide when a student is ready for examination. Age eligibility alone does not guarantee entry.
Extra examination rehearsals are required
In the lead-up to an examination, we require dancers to attend additional rehearsals at the examination venue. These are conducted in their exam groups so every dancer is fully prepared on the day.
Prerequisites matter
RAD Intermediate does not require Intermediate Foundation. From Advanced Foundation onwards — Advanced Foundation, Advanced 1, Advanced 2 and Solo Seal — students must have passed each preceding level.
More classes support faster progress
From Grade 1, we recommend two ballet classes per week. From Grade 4, three classes per week helps students progress steadily toward examination.
ISTD requires 100 hours per level
This is a minimum. Absence, term breaks and show preparation all affect how quickly a student accumulates the required hours.
UCAS Points for university
Higher grades (from Grade 6) and vocational grades, including Intermediate Foundation and Advanced Foundation, carry UCAS Points, supporting applications to university.
Recognised by Qualifications Wales
As a Wales-based school, our RAD and ISTD examinations are recognised by Qualifications Wales, giving our students nationally accredited qualifications.
Ask us
If you are unsure where your child sits within the examination framework, please speak with Miss Danielle. We are always happy to talk through expectations.
Questions About Exams?
Miss Danielle is happy to discuss your child's examination readiness and the best pathway forward.