Moorland Ballet School

Moorland International Ballet Academy is a summer ballet school in the UK for British and international students. The Academy is based on the Moorland School campus in the market town of Clitheroe in the Ribble Valley, one of the most picturesque areas of Lancashire. Founded in 1920, Moorland School is a coeducational institution for students ages 3 to 18, with approximately 340 students, 65% of whom are day students and 35% boarders. The professional ballet academy accepts beginners and experienced dancers who have the potential and desire to improve their professional skills.

The Academy offers year-round vocational classical ballet training alongside full-time academic studies, as well as annual summer intensive courses. Year-round programs span four levels: Pre-Vocational (ages 7–11), Vocational (ages 11–14), Pre-Professional (ages 14–16), and Professional (ages 16–18), with up to 20 hours of dance training per week at the highest level. The curriculum covers classical ballet technique, contemporary dance, pas de deux, character dance, Spanish dance, including Flamenco and Danza Estilizada, choreography, drama, body conditioning, and Pilates. A Graduate Course and an ISTD-accredited Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education are also available for advanced students.

The Summer School offers residential and day options. The Senior program is open to dancers ages 12–18, while the Junior program is for dancers ages 8–11 who have Grade 2 Ballet or higher. The intensive course includes classical ballet, body conditioning, classical repertoire, classical solos, and contemporary dance, and ends with a demonstration for parents and teachers.

The Academy is led by Artistic Director Lynsey Kidd, a former student who trained at the Royal Ballet School, and Classical Ballet Director Simon Kidd. Study at the Academy develops technical proficiency, an understanding of classical dance culture, and artistic ability.

Students in the summer school and year-round programs can stay in the boarding houses at Moorland School on a full-board basis. Boarding is available from age 8 in single-sex houses, while students can also attend as day students.

The Willows Boarding House accommodates younger boarders ages 8–14 and is managed by dedicated houseparents who oversee daily routines in a safe and supportive environment. Older students in Years 12–13 live in The Cottage, which offers greater independence in preparation for life beyond school. The boarding houses prioritize student safety and well-being, with trust and confidentiality at the core of their approach.

Students receive three meals a day. Accommodation is organized in comfortable rooms with private facilities for 2–4 students. The school offers halal and vegan options alongside the standard lunch menu.

Subject list: biology, business, chemistry, drama, drawing lessons, English literature, geography, maths, music, physics, Religious studies
Activity list: ballet, football

The summer vocational program combines ballet technique, acting, and English lessons with leisure activities. On-campus activities include themed meetings, parties, barbecues, and social events. Excursions may include cities in Lancashire and other tourist destinations in England.

Beyond dance, students can participate in caving, tree climbing, archery, raft building, abseiling, horseback riding, golf, and ski trips. Other activities include theater trips, debating, annual performances, and showcases. Moorland School also hosts a Football Academy in partnership with Blackburn Rovers FC.

The daily routine:

• Breakfast is at 8:00 a.m. Students then prepare for classes,
• Schedules are prepared for each group. Morning classes usually begin around 9:00 a.m. and last 1.5 hours. Afternoon classes continue until 4:00 p.m.,
• Lunch is at noon,
• Dinner is at 5:00 p.m., followed by evening activities such as games, movies, and walks,
• Bedtime is at 9:00 p.m.

• Moorland International Ballet Academy is an alternative to a summer camp in Britain for children interested in ballet. The Academy offers year-round vocational training and summer intensive courses, combining professional dance classes with English lessons and full-time academic study,
• The Academy is led by Artistic Director Lynsey Kidd, who trained at the Royal Ballet School, and Classical Ballet Director Simon Kidd, bringing professional experience to the training,
• Four levels of vocational training, Pre-Vocational, Vocational, Pre-Professional, and Professional, serve dancers ages 7–18, with up to 20 hours of dance training per week at the highest level,
• The curriculum covers classical ballet, contemporary dance, pas de deux, character dance, Spanish dance, choreography, drama, body conditioning, and Pilates, with individual conditioning programs for each student,
• The ballet school has an inspiring atmosphere that encourages students to develop their abilities and improve their skills. Experienced trainers adapt their approach to each student to help maximize individual potential,
• Classes have no more than 20 students and often have as few as 10, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment,
• Ballet training is integrated with full-time academic studies at Moorland School, including 24 GCSE options at senior level, plus A Levels and BTEC courses in Sixth Form,
• The ISTD-accredited Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education is available alongside A Level studies and provides a route to professional teaching qualifications,
• Study at the Academy develops technical proficiency and artistic ability. Students can also take part in theater trips and annual performances and audition for scholarships and masterclasses with world-renowned artistic directors.

Moorland School occupies a large rural campus in the market town of Clitheroe, Lancashire. The school is 47 miles from Manchester International Airport, approximately 60 minutes by car, and 1.7 miles from Clitheroe Train Station, approximately 7 minutes away. The bus and train stations are about 5 minutes from the school, which is accessible by car, bus, or train.

English lessons during the summer program take place in Moorland School classrooms, including a full ICT suite and a well-equipped library. Dance training takes place in dedicated ballet studios and the gymnastic hall of the on-campus sports complex. Facilities also include an indoor 4G training center, a training pitch, and Forest School areas.

The campus combines specialized dance and sports facilities with equipped classrooms that support academic and vocational training.

Additional fees may include:

• Registration fee,
• Visa registration,
• Air travel,
• Transfers,
• Insurance,
• School uniform for year-round students,
• Personal expenses.

Moorland International Ballet Academy welcomes applications from British and international students.

• The Academy is academically non-selective, while behavior is considered as part of admission to support a suitable learning environment,
• Entry to the ballet program requires an audition,
• Junior Summer School applicants ages 8–11 must hold a Grade 2 Ballet qualification or higher,
• The Senior Summer School is open to students ages 12–18,
• The Graduate Course is available by audition only.

Smapse specialists will guide you through all stages of the enrollment process.

Moorland International Ballet Academy offers talented dancers opportunities to audition for scholarships and participate in masterclasses with world-renowned artistic directors.

The Academy seeks performance and scholarship opportunities for its students. Theater trips and professional auditions are a regular part of the program.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision