Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance

Marie Rambert, a Polish-born dancer formerly with the Ballets Russes, founded Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in Kensington in 1920. In time, the Rambert dance company and the School became separate organisations, and after several London addresses the School settled at Clifton Lodge, in the St Margarets area of Twickenham. From 2005 it belonged to the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama, and since 2022 it has operated as an independent higher education provider on the Office for Students register.

The School describes itself as the UK's only conservatoire-level school with a degree that gives ballet and contemporary dance equal weight. Undergraduates complete a two-year Foundation Degree and then a one-year BA (Hons) top-up, with the Royal College of Music validating both awards. Ballet classes take place daily and are combined with contemporary techniques such as Cunningham and Graham, improvisation, and contextual study of history, psychology and dance science. Students perform at the Anya Linden Studio Theatre, the School's own venue, and at venues such as Sadler's Wells and the Royal Opera House's Linbury Theatre. Programmes for younger dancers and a postgraduate MA created with Rambert complete the portfolio.

Information for International Students

Admission is by audition: a contemporary class with an improvisation element, a ballet class and a short prepared solo. Auditions are held in person in the UK and abroad, in cities that have included New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Mumbai and Milan, while a digital audition is offered to those unable to attend. The School is a licensed Student sponsor and issues a CAS after an international candidate has cleared the second audition stage and paid a deposit. Non-native English speakers must hold a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test: B2 on the CEFR scale for the BA top-up and B1 for the Foundation Degree, with the School offering guidance on test choice.

No halls of residence are available. Before new students arrive, staff help them find nearby accommodation, usually in shared houses in Twickenham or St Margarets or with host families, and wellbeing and support services help overseas students adjust to living independently in the UK. International students should have funding from their home country, such as loans, scholarships or sponsorship, in place before starting the course. Those who complete an eligible course may apply for the Graduate Route.