Rambert School is a leading international centre for vocational training in both ballet and contemporary dance. It's an independent specialist school providing intensive, elite training with a unique equal emphasis on classical ballet and contemporary dance techniques. Its mission is to develop highly skilled, versatile, creative, and 'thinking' dancers prepared for the profession. Founded in 1920 by Marie Rambert, a Polish emigree and former Ballets Russes dancer, the school grew alongside the Rambert Dance Company (Britain's oldest dance company). It has a rich history of training influential dancers and choreographers, guided by the innovative 'Rambert Spirit'.
The school is based at Clifton Lodge in St Margarets, Twickenham, a suburban area in South West London, near Richmond. Rambert School has an international reputation for excellence. Its primary courses, the Foundation Degree (FD) and BA (Hons) in Ballet & Contemporary Dance, are validated by the University of Kent, ensuring they meet UK higher education academic standards. The school was awarded a Silver rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). It was previously part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (which dissolved in 2022).
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Rambert School is a leading international centre for vocational training in both ballet and contemporary dance. It's an independent specialist school providing intensive, elite training with a unique equal emphasis on classical ballet and contemporary dance techniques. Its mission is to develop highly skilled, versatile, creative, and 'thinking' dancers prepared for the profession. Founded in 1920 by Marie Rambert, a Polish emigree and former Ballets Russes dancer, the school grew alongside the Rambert Dance Company (Britain's oldest dance company). It has a rich history of training influential dancers and choreographers, guided by the innovative 'Rambert Spirit'.
The school is based at Clifton Lodge in St Margarets, Twickenham, a suburban area in South West London, near Richmond. Rambert School has an international reputation for excellence. Its primary courses, the Foundation Degree (FD) and BA (Hons) in Ballet & Contemporary Dance, are validated by the University of Kent, ensuring they meet UK higher education academic standards. The school was awarded a Silver rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). It was previously part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (which dissolved in 2022).
Life at Rambert School is centred around intensive, practical dance training in a supportive, professional environment.
Training Intensity: Expect a demanding schedule with a minimum of 30 hours per week of timetabled classes and rehearsals. The training requires high levels of commitment, discipline, and physical fitness.
Facilities: The school has purpose-built facilities including several professional dance studios, the Anya Linden Studio Theatre for performances and rehearsals, study areas/library resources, and crucial health support facilities like the Screening Treatment & Rehabilitation Unit (STRU) and body conditioning equipment.
Community: Due to its small size, the school fosters a close-knit community where students work collaboratively and receive personalised guidance. It has a diverse, international student body.
Teaching & Industry Links: Students are taught by a faculty of experienced dance professionals, including former dancers and choreographers, along with specialist guest artists. The school maintains strong links with the Rambert Dance Company and the wider professional dance world, offering valuable industry insights, workshops, and performance opportunities.
Student Support: Support is tailored to the needs of dancers, including:
Accommodation: Rambert School does not have its own halls of residence. They provide students with guidance and support in finding private rented accommodation, typically shared houses or flats, in the local areas around Twickenham, Richmond, and Kingston upon Thames.
Considering proximity to the school, affordability, safety, and transport links:
Twickenham:
Strawberry Hill:
Teddington:
Kingston upon Thames:
Whitton:
Twickenham and its surrounding areas in South West London offer a more suburban and green environment with some notable attractions:
Strawberry Hill House: A unique Gothic Revival villa with fascinating architecture and gardens, located very close to the school.
Twickenham Town Centre: A short bus ride or pleasant walk along the river, offering shops, restaurants, pubs, and Twickenham Stadium (home of England Rugby).
Richmond upon Thames: A beautiful town with a historic park (Richmond Park), riverside pubs, and a vibrant town centre, easily accessible by train or bus.
Richmond Park: A vast and stunning Royal Park with deer roaming freely, perfect for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature.
Teddington Lock: A picturesque spot on the River Thames with lovely riverside walks and pubs, accessible by bus.
Hampton Court Palace: A magnificent Tudor palace with stunning gardens and a famous maze, easily accessible by bus or train.
Kew Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible collection of plants, accessible by bus or train (via Richmond).
Riverside Walks along the Thames: Numerous scenic paths along the River Thames offer opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Student travel for Rambert School students primarily involves navigating the local area of Twickenham and commuting to and from other parts of London.
Trains (National Rail): The most significant transport link for Rambert School students is Strawberry Hill station, which is a short walk (around 5-10 minutes) from the school. Strawberry Hill station offers frequent services to London Waterloo, Richmond, Kingston, and other destinations in South West London. Waterloo provides onward connections across the city.
Buses: Several bus routes operate in the vicinity of Strawberry Hill and St Margaret's, connecting the area to Twickenham town centre, Teddington, Richmond, and other surrounding suburbs. Buses can be useful for local travel and connecting to other transport modes.
Underground (Tube): The nearest Underground stations are a bit further away, requiring a bus or train journey:
Walking and Cycling: Twickenham and the surrounding areas are generally pleasant for walking and cycling, with riverside paths along the Thames and quieter residential streets. Cycling to the school might be an option for students living nearby.
Student Discounts: Eligible full-time students (18+) at Rambert School, as part of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama (CDD), can apply for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard. This provides 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes, making travel on buses and the Tube (when accessing it) significantly more affordable. Travelcards covering Zones 1-6 might be necessary for regular travel to central London. Application involves online registration via the TfL website, uploading a digital photo, and the CDD/Rambert School confirming enrollment electronically. A non-refundable fee applies, and the photocard is collected from a nominated Tube station. For train travel, a 16-25 Railcard can provide significant savings on National Rail fares.