THE Royal academy of dance SYLLABUS (RAD)
For those children wishing to take examinations, the RAD Graded Examination Syllabus consists of 10 grades each incorporating classical ballet, free movement and character dance.
The Grades
| Minimum age for examination |
Approx age to participate in class |
| Pre-Primary - 5 years | 2 - 5 years |
| Primary - 6 years | 5 - 7 years |
| Grade 1 - 7 years | 6+ years |
| Grade 2 - 7 years | 7+ years |
| Grade 3 - 7 years | 8+ years |
| Grade 4 - 7 years | 9+ years |
| Grade 5 - 7 years | 10+ years |
| Grade 6 - 11 years | 11+ years |
| Grade 7 - 11 years | 12+ years |
| Grade 8 - 11 years | 13+ years |
A child will begin studying the RAD Vocational Graded Syllabus only if able and willing to commit to at least two lessons a week, usually after passing Grade 5 but sometimes earlier.
The Vocational Grades
| Intermediate Foundation | 11+ years (non compulsory) |
| Intermediate | 12+ years |
| Advanced Foundation | 13+ years (non compulsory) |
| Advanced 1 | 14+ years |
| Advanced 2 | 15+ years |
| Solo Seal | Must hold their Advanced 2 with distinction |