The Royal Academy of Dance offers three syllabi in Classical Ballet. There are two examination syllabi, known as Grades Examinations in Dance and Vocational Grades Examinations in Dance. There is also a non-assessed syllabus known as Presentation Classes. All are designed to recognize the progress and achievement of children and young people.
Students may begin with the Grades Syllabus, and after Grade 5 can either continue to Grade 8 and/or opt to follow the Vocational Grades Syllabus. The Vocational levels are designed for students wishing to study Classical Ballet seriously, possibly with the goal of pursuing a career in dance or dance related subjects.