The number of grades in ballet can vary depending on exam boards. For the Royal Academy of Dance, which is a recognised qualification regulator in the UK, there are ten grades of ballet in total – pre-primary, primary, then grades 1-8. The dancer's grade usually affects how their dance exam is set out.
If dancers are in an earlier grade, particularly pre-primary or primary, they’ll usually take their dance exam with other dancers, for example, in a group of four. Sometimes, their dance teacher will also be present during the exam.
Middle grades will also take their exams in groups, however, they will also be asked to perform some dances as duets or solos so that the examiner can focus more on the individual’s technique and performance qualities.
Older or vocational grades will perform most exercises as duets or solos and will have the addition of pointe work. Often, these higher grades come with a UCAS points weighting, which can go towards university applications.