Each year, NSDA has an RAD examiner brought into our studios to hold our exams.
Your students train with RAD registered teachers who are eligible to facilitate the examinations, and RAD trained teachers with in-depth knowledge of the syllabus and training styles. Students need to be disciplined in attending all classes for the remainder of the year and keep working hard in the lead up. They are marked on their technique and performance ability.
We also encourage students to practice their exam work at home for confidence – there is a mobile app called “Royal Academy of Dance Video” on which you can purchase their syllabus music and videos.
Who is eligible:
If your child has been attending all available syllabus classes per week (plus open class for Grade 4 upwards), they are eligible to enter the ballet exam. It is by invitation only for senior students but junior students (Primary – Grade 4) enter with their cohort.
When and where:
In 2026 the exams will be held during week 9 Term 3 between the 15th – 19th September.
They will most likely need to miss a few hours of a school day. The RAD controls the timing of the exams, NSDA doesn’t have any choice other than what we request. We will find out the exact date of the exam at the end of August.
The exams will be at the NSDA Uniting Church studio. We are very lucky that we are able to hold the exams at our studio.
Why enter your child into an exam:
Exams are an important part of your child’s ballet training and an enjoyable experience. They give the students the opportunity to learn to work towards a goal, and they provide individual feedback, receiving a certificate, a report, and a result from the RAD examiner. Students learn the skills of discipline, determination and diligence when undertaking ballet exams. They are internationally recognised and can assist with school and university applications.
Compulsory rehearsals
If your child is entered in the RAD exam, they are required to attend the compulsory exam classes:
The holiday rehearsals are:
Primary: Sunday 6th and 13th September 8.45am – 10.15am
Grade 1: Sunday 6th and 13th September 10.15am – 12pm
Grade 2: Sunday 6th and 13th September 12pm – 2pm
Grade 3: Sunday 6th and 13th September 2pm – 4pm
Grade 4: Sunday 6th and 13th September 4pm – 6pm
The RAD exam fees (inclusive of the October rehearsals) are:
Primary: $215, Grade 1: $225, Grade 2: $235, Grade 3: $245, Grade 4: $255
The fees cover the examiner, report and medal, pianist (we are lucky to have Grant Kennedy, head of accompaniment at the RAD, and NSDA faculty member play for us), studio rent, and the extra rehearsals as above.
To enter:
A form will be sent for you to enter your child in June/July 2025.