RAD Exams: What Parents Need to Know
If your child has been preparing for a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exam, you may be curious — or anxious — about what actually happens in the examination room. This guide explains the format, who is present, what is assessed, and what to expect on exam day.
Who Is in the Room?
- The RAD examiner — a qualified, independent assessor appointed by the RAD, not affiliated with your child’s school. They assess the syllabus exercises and make the final grading decision.
- The teacher — in most cases, the child’s own ballet teacher is present in the exam room to support students and introduce each exercise. However, the teacher does not help once an exercise has begun.
- The pianist — a live pianist plays the set music for each exercise. This is one of the distinctive features of the RAD format.
- Other students — exams are usually taken in small groups (often three to eight students), rarely as solo exams at lower grades.
What the Exam Looks Like
Students enter the examination room in their uniform — the correct leotard colour for their grade, neat bun, correct shoes and tights. They perform the set exercises from their grade’s syllabus in order: barre exercises, centre work, and any set dances or free movement sections.
The examiner watches quietly, making notes. There is no commentary during the exam. Students should focus on their teacher’s instructions and the music, not on the examiner.
How Long Does It Take?
Exam duration depends on the grade:
- Pre-Primary and Primary: around 20–30 minutes
- Grade 1–3: around 30–45 minutes
- Grade 4–8: 45 minutes to 1 hour or more
What Is Being Assessed?
The RAD examiner assesses students across several areas, typically including:
- Technical accuracy — correct positions of feet, arms, and body
- Musicality — dancing in time with the music and responding to its phrasing
- Performance quality — expression, focus, and overall presentation
- Physical qualities — turnout, line, coordination, and strength as appropriate for the grade
Students are not judged against each other. Each student is assessed individually against the RAD’s own criteria.
Can Parents Watch?
No. Parents wait outside the examination room. This is standard RAD practice. Young children are accompanied into the room by their teacher, and parents can usually see their child briefly at the door before the exam begins.
When Do Results Come?
Results are typically sent to the teacher within six to eight weeks of the exam, who then passes them on to parents. Results come as a formal certificate with a grade: Distinction, Merit, Pass, or (rarely) a deferred result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child cries or freezes on the day?
It happens occasionally, particularly with very young students. Experienced examiners are used to nerves and always try to put children at ease. If a young child becomes very upset, the teacher can step in to support them.
What does a Distinction mean?
RAD results use a graded scale. Distinction is the highest available result, followed by Merit and Pass. The specific mark ranges are published in the RAD’s syllabus documentation.
My child has taken the same grade twice — is that normal?
Yes. Some children benefit from spending two years on a grade to consolidate technique before moving on. It is common and not a sign of failure.