The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) is one of the world’s most respected and influential dance education organisations. Founded in 1920, the RAD is recognised internationally for its high teaching standards, beautifully structured syllabus, and commitment to safe, progressive ballet training for children and young dancers.

The RAD syllabus is designed to develop strong technique, musicality, artistry, and confidence. Students progress through levels that promote correct posture, alignment, strength, and performance quality. RAD exams are held worldwide and are assessed by fully trained RAD examiners who uphold consistent standards across all countries.

At Simone’s School of Performing Arts, we proudly follow the RAD syllabus to provide our students with exceptional training, recognised globally as one of the most reliable and professional ballet education systems available.

To ensure students are fully prepared, confident, and able to achieve their best, the following requirements apply:

Students must attend two ballet classes per week
(This is essential for skill development and retention.)

Teacher Recommendation
Students are nominated by their ballet teacher based on technique, attendance, focus, and physical readiness.

Commitment Expectations
Students must maintain excellent attendance, arrive in correct uniform and grooming, and show consistent effort in class and at home.

Our goal is to ensure every child who enters an exam feels prepared, confident, and excited — not rushed or overwhelmed.

Our exam preparation follows a clear and supportive structure:

Weekly Ballet Classes

Students learn and refine all syllabus work on a weekly basis.

Ballet Intensive Week

Held during the Winter School Holidays
Monday 13th – Wednesday 15th July (2026)
Grades will be scheduled on specific days, and students will only attend the day(s) their grade is rostered. A detailed schedule will be released closer to the date.

Mock Exam

Dates To Be Confirmed
A full practice exam experience to build confidence and ensure students understand expectations.

Official RAD Exams

Sydney 2nd Exam Session
12th October – 13th December 2026
Individual grade dates will be confirmed once RAD releases the timetable.

At Simone’s School of Performing Arts, we work closely and respectfully with the Royal Academy of Dance to ensure the best possible exam experience for every student. Maintaining professional etiquette throughout the exam process is extremely important.

RAD Communication Policy

Parents must not contact the RAD directly to request information, exam times, examiner details, timetables, or results.
This is considered highly inappropriate and is frowned upon within the RAD examination system.

Contacting the RAD directly can:

Disrupt the examination process

Create administrative issues

Reflect negatively on the studio

Potentially impact the student’s exam experience

All communication must come only from SSOPA administration.
We will release all official information as soon as it is received.
Your cooperation ensures a respectful, smooth, and professional relationship with RAD.

At Simone’s School of Performing Arts, our ballet training is built on quality, consistency, care, and professionalism. We are committed to helping each dancer grow with confidence and strong technique. What makes our ballet program exceptional?

✔ Highly Trained & Passionate Teachers

Our ballet faculty follows the RAD syllabus with precision, care, and a strong focus on safe technique and progression. Teachers also uphold the studio’s Communication & Exam Protocol Agreement, ensuring consistent, well-structured training.

✔ Structured Weekly Training Linked to Exam Success

Our classes follow a clear timeline, ensuring all syllabus content is taught, refined, and polished well before exam day. Students benefit from repetition, confidence-building, and strong preparation habits.

✔ Clear Parent Communication

We ensure families have the information they need well in advance — from uniform requirements to dates, expectations, and exam-day etiquette — eliminating confusion or last-minute stress.

✔ A Nurturing Environment Based on Studio Values

Our ballet program is guided by our studio values:
Family, Empowerment, Respect, Current.
We create a positive and encouraging space where children feel supported, capable, and confident.

✔ Focus on Technique, Performance & Personal Growth

RAD exams provide structure, goals, and a sense of achievement — but our focus is always on developing strong, confident, well-trained dancers who love ballet.

SSOPA’s reputation for excellence and professionalism comes from our commitment to quality training and genuine care for each student’s progress.

My child is nervous — should they still participate?

It is very normal for students to feel nervous before their ballet exam. Our structured preparation — weekly classes, Intensive Week, and Mock Exam — helps students feel confident and supported.
We never place pressure on students; instead, we create a calm, encouraging environment and ensure they are fully prepared for what to expect.
If your child is nervous, please let us know — we are here to help guide them through the process gently and positively.

Consistency is important. Missing classes can impact a student’s preparation and confidence.
If a class is missed:

The student may receive corrections at the next lesson

Teachers may advise extra practice at home

In some cases, a catch-up session may be recommended

If a student misses too many classes, their teacher may decide it is in the child’s best interest not to sit the exam that year.
Our priority is always the wellbeing and confidence of the dancer.

Can my child still do the end-of-year concert if they are doing exams?

Yes! All ballet exam students will also perform in our end-of-year concert.
However, it is important to note:

Concert routines are taught in one of the ballet classes later in the year

During exam season, most class time is devoted to exam work

This means only a small portion of class time can be used for learning concert routines

Because of this, attendance is extremely important so students do not fall behind and can confidently perform in the concert.

At SSOPA, we pride ourselves on clear, professional communication.

For all ballet exam questions, changes, concerns, or updates, parents must contact SSOPA Administration directly, not ballet teachers privately and not the RAD.

Our admin team will release all exam schedules, updates, uniform lists, and instructions as soon as they are available.
We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

If at any time you have questions, simply reach out — our team is always happy to help.

Class Awards

In some cases, certain grades or individual students may be recommended to complete a Class Award instead of a full RAD Exam. This decision is made at the teacher’s discretion and is always based on what is in the best interest of the student. A Class Award offers the same positive experience and follows the same structure as an exam, held at the same venue and with an official RAD examiner.

The only difference is that students are not required to perform as many of the set combination exercises, and their teacher is able to accompany them into the examination room for additional support. Class Awards still allow dancers to progress confidently, and students who complete a Class Award will move up to the next grade the following year, just as they would with a full exam. This option ensures every child feels comfortable, prepared, and successful on their ballet journey.

Ballet Intensive Week will run from Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th July, 2026.
A detailed timetable, along with the costing for the Ballet Intensive Workshop, will be provided closer to the date.

Most grades will be scheduled on two of the three days, and this will be confirmed once the final timetable is released.

Please note that Vocational Grades — Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate — may not be required to attend Ballet Intensive, depending on when their official exam date is scheduled. More information will be provided once RAD confirms the timetable.

Mini Intensive Date - Monday the 13th of April, 26

Studio - SSOPA studio 1

10am - Grade 1

11am - Grade 2

12noon - Grade 3

1.30pm - Lunch

2pm - Grade 5

3.30pm - Intermediate Foundation

5pm - Intermediate

6.30pm

A Mock Exam may be scheduled prior to the official RAD Ballet Exams to help students feel confident and fully prepared. This session will be held on a weekend, and attendance may be required depending on your child’s grade.

Full details — including the timetable, requirements, and costing — will be provided in advance so families have plenty of time to plan.

Official RAD Ballet Exam dates are released to studios approximately four to six weeks before the scheduled exam period. As soon as we receive the confirmed dates and times, we will pass this information on to families immediately.

All updates will be posted on this website, as well as on our Ballet Band Pages, ensuring every family receives the details as soon as they become available.