Tiaramum

The intensives are still going on so maybe not announced as yet.

It doesn't happen a lot but they will see potential and offer a place based on what they see. Maybe one from the summer schools every year. Sadly there is no feedback - this is the same if you have a vocational space there!

There is limited signal at WL (and the 4g signal is horrendous) so don't worry too much if you don't hear from them. Any problems and the houseparents will be in touch.

Just speak to reception and they can guide you towards ordering a taxi for picking up

Yes, exactly this. The video of him talking about comps is a few years old now and is as you say a big contradiction. I've tried asking the question but have not had a reply!

So the new programme started in Sep 21, all existing students moved onto the new programme regardless of where they were in the old programme. The old programme ceased to exist. So the current year 9's were not assessed out (this has been made very clear by the school), they "graduate" from the foundation programme tomorrow. The ones leaving sadly do not have a place on the pre development programme which starts in year 10. This year 9 group have been the guinea pigs for the new structure. Does that help? I believe that the new year 7's that started in sep 21 have had it made very clear that they are only there for three years.

the numbers for Y11 too but would be hesitant to put on here as it’s been pointed out in the past that I don’t have a child who’s gone to that school plus this thread might get locked if it gets too specific. The programme started in Sep 21 which makes the current year 9's the first cohort through this process. Only 2 of the girls staying are British and british trained. All places have been filled by internationals. The AD didn't attend his own spring intensive. The AD stood there on parents day when our cohort was in year 7 and PROMISED us anyone leaving would be aware there were issues and they would keep us fully informed. This is categorically not true. All of the girls leaving had received excellent reports, high praise and all had Exceeding for Professional Application and work ethic. We were told on more than one occasion how strong this year group is. Those leaving who wished to say in vocational training have all been offered places at the top schools in the uk. There has been a lack of support for the dancers and their families from RBS. I'm more than happy for anyone to PM me for more details. In saying all of this I would not take these 3 years away from my own dd and she would be the first to say she would do it all again. Oh its a rollercoaster but on the whole she has loved every minute of her time at WL. She has made life long friends, created some amazing memories, danced in the best studios, her education results are great, its given her more maturity then her counterparts who have remained at home, we;ve had more quality time as a family with her during her down time. Just take each moment as it comes, take the reports with a pinch of salt as they don't mean a jot. The AD will choose international students over homegrown talent more times than not. Can I change this? No. Have I highlighted this to the powers that be? Yes. I will continue to make sure families are aware of what this journey entails and try to make sure no other family suffers like ours. Will I continue to champion my dd and her friends. Hell yes! I will carry on working more than one job to fund this journey. Whether she makes it as a professional or not we have given her the best opportunities in life and those lessons learnt along the way will help her in the future. There is a talk on All things Ballet by Ballet Boost tomorrow at 4.30. I'm sure this will be helpful and beneficial to all.

It maybe a world-class ballet training school but look at the data. Those UK trained dancers entering in Year 7 very rarely make it to year 11/upperschool. Our homegrown talent is getting bypassed and replaced by internationals - these internationals are then passed off as been RBS trained.

Yes this!!! And those in positions of authority at RBS won't answer the question.

Sylvia has retired. Victoria Collinson is the Associate Programme and Primary Steps Artistic Manager now.

I agree with everything above. Enjoy these moments. Congratulations to you and your daughter. Start looking at vocational schools. Read the threads, if vocational school looks likely start saving NOW. Be prepared to ride the rollercoaster of emotions. Getting in is one thing, staying in (for WL) is another thing, competing against internationals, home sickness, etc etc. My advice enjoy been a JA, save every penny whilst you can, but let her take part in anything and everything that can help her - YBSS classes, ballet boost workshops, summer schools etc etc. Keep every door open. Try not to be sucked into the world of dance mums and remain true to you and your daughter. Enjoy the ride

I can put you in touch with a mum of a boy starting Year 10 at Tring if that helps

I love the wording of this. The customer experience has been far from ideal BUT I wouldn't take our adventures with Royal away and would do it again but with my eyes wide open perhaps

Its becoming a Brand rather than a school for the talented 😞

No luck for us I'm afraid, We've taken another school x

Exactly this!! Nothing against internationals and firmly believe they should be included but not at the expense of UK dancers. It should be about talent, not where your from.

My dd and three of her friends all start in September, they are all staying in the homestay option and cant wait. The teaching is fantastic, so supportive and really focuses on each dancer. They all graduate with a place to go which is just amazing. We've had questions and its just been a quick phone call or email to the school and they always answer. I agree with Pinkpip100 - a hidden gem. I wish more schools were like this. Any questions please feel free to PM

Aw thank you. We are really struggling at the moment and we have fallen in love with YDA.

Good evening all. We are desperately seeking a Homestay option for two dancers who will hopefully be starting year 10 at YDA in September. If anyone has any contacts with potential/current homestays we would be exceptionally grateful for any information. Many thanks

Very fitting questions. The new Year 10's look like many of them are from outside the UK. In that case why isn't our training good enough. Sadly we will never get that answer

I'm so pleased to hear she is doing well CoffeeMum. My own dd too feels a sense of injustice and as though she is now just a number in a political game of who can bring the money in. To those taking up a year 7 place at this particular school - enjoy the ride, enjoy the moments, just be very aware that no matter how amazing the reports are along the way, you will NOT be able to predict the results of the year 9 auditions. The chances are your child will not get a year 10 place and that needs to be part of your decision making.

Us too - I hate the waiting

It remains traumatic, stressful and often comes as a shock despite the promises. The differing opinions between staff remains a confusion for the dancer. We can all sit here and debate the ins and outs of children being let go at the end of year 9. As a parent I knew what I was signing up for but it doesn't take away the hurt, the disappointment, the anger, the shock. Yes the kids do see it as been assessed out, but thats where we as adults have to keep them going. We have to slowly change the way of thinking. There is two programmes of dance education at RBS Lower school. The general consensus of this wont change unless we all help correct these views. These young dancers have completed the 3 year programme successfully and will graduate from that programme.

Exactly this. The year 10 intake is much more internationally based.

I appreciate your view, these kids have not been accepted into year 10, they have NOT been assessed out, they successfully completed the three year programme and you can't take that away from them. Yes they will be upset they are not able to stay on but they should equally be exceptionally proud of themselves