Best rated ballet schools for children in London
The best rated children’s ballet schools in London share the same things: registration with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or IDTA, teachers who are professional dancers with an Enhanced DBS check, small classes, a clear progression from toddler ballet to graded exams, strong parent reviews and a free trial. Regal Ballet is a RAD registered children’s ballet school founded in 2007, with 5-star Google reviews, classes across London from 18 months, a maximum of 16 children per class, and students who have gone on to English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, London Studio Centre and Rambert School.
Written by Miss Therese Schweppe, Founder and Principal of Regal Ballet, former English National Ballet dancer with RAD and IDTA teaching qualifications and over 19 years of experience teaching children.
How to judge a ballet school’s rating
- Read the reviews, not just the stars. Look for comments about the teachers, how children progress and how the school communicates with parents.
- Check recognised registration. A school registered with the Royal Academy of Dance follows an internationally recognised syllabus with independent exams.
- Look at results. Exam success and students gaining places on associate schemes or at vocational schools show the quality of teaching.
- Ask about teachers. Professional dance experience plus a teaching qualification is the strongest combination.
- Try a class. The best test is how your child feels after a trial lesson.
What parents say about Regal Ballet
Parents describe Regal Ballet’s teachers as patient, kind and professional. Read our reviews on Google and our testimonials page.
Why parents choose Regal Ballet
- Founded in 2007 by former English National Ballet dancer Therese Schweppe
- Royal Academy of Dance registered, with optional RAD exams at RAD Headquarters in Battersea
- A clear pathway from baby ballet at 18 months to RAD Grade 5 and a Saturday Development Class
- Vocational results: students have gained places at English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, London Studio Centre and Rambert School
- An end of year show at a professional theatre
- Make-up lessons at another venue if your child misses a class
About Regal Ballet
Regal Ballet is a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered children’s ballet school in London, founded in 2007 by former English National Ballet dancer Therese Schweppe. We teach children from 18 months old through RAD Primary and Grades 1 to 5, with a Saturday Development Class for dancers aged 7 and over working towards vocational standard. Regal Ballet students have gained places at English National Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School Junior Associates, London Studio Centre and Rambert School.
- Classes across London, including Hampstead, St John’s Wood, Regent’s Park, Islington, Clerkenwell, Stoke Newington, Hackney, Marylebone, Little Venice and Teddington
- Maximum 16 children per class, taught by professional ballet dancers with Enhanced DBS checks
- Termly fees from £178 to £225 per term
- Every new student can book a free trial lesson
Find a class and book your free trial or call 07704 290 479.
Common questions
How do I know if a London ballet school is good?
Check that it is registered with the Royal Academy of Dance or IDTA, that teachers are qualified professional dancers with an Enhanced DBS check, that classes are small, and that parent reviews mention progress and good communication. Then book a trial class.
More guides for parents
- What age should my child start ballet?
- How to find a good ballet school in London
- What to look for in a children’s ballet teacher
- RAD ballet classes and exams in London
- How much do children’s ballet classes cost in London?
- Ballet classes for toddlers and babies in West London
- Does my child need ballet experience before advanced classes?
- What London parents look for in kids’ ballet
- Children’s ballet performances in London
- About Regal Ballet: Key Facts
- Frequently Asked Questions