The International Butler Academy prides itself on attention to every detail.  In order for students to achieve the exceptionally high standards required by the school, all aspects of the butler's duties are covered; both theoretically and practically. Looking at the list below you will not be surprised to learn that we also have students who do not intend to enter into the private service sector but instead use our training for career advancement.

• Answering the door to guests and visitors.

• A guest is seen "stealing".  How to deal with this situation.

• A move by your employer to another house.

• All attributes a Butler should have.

• Christmas Day.  Organizing and running it.

• Dealing with a "greedy" guest.

• Dealing with a guest or guests who have arrived unexpectedly and uninvited.

• Describing the table plan, table index, seating plan and place cards.

• Hand-made shirts made to measure.

• Hand-made shoes made to measure.

• Hand-made suits made to measure.

• How and when to prepare the "morning tray" and deliver it to your employer.

• How to tip or give a present to, for example a Concierge or other persons either as an investment or a "Thank You" for services rendered.

• How (if) to accept a gratuity from a guest who is leaving.

• How to address and treat guests with or without titles.

• How to balance menus.

• How to be able to meet a visitor at the airport or rail station with the skill and expertise of the trained chauffeur.

• How to behave and get on with everyone; from staff members to the most important guest.

• How to clean and prepare shoes.

• How to deal with special diets when serving a meal.

• How to deal with staff who have been caught stealing.

• How to deal with the guest who has no appointment and your employer does not wishes to see him.

• How to deal with the situation when a guest who has an appointment is informed that your employer is unable to see him for a half-hour; one hour; two hours!

• How to deal with the task of having to ask a guest to leave the house!

• How to discover the likes and dislikes, diets etc. of guests before arrival!

• How to fire staff.

• How to get the very best value for the employer when shopping.

• How to give "Silver Service", "Butler Service" and more.

• How to handle a situation when a guest is prying into your employer’s affairs.

• How to handle a situation where there is a drunken guest at the table.

• How to hire staff.

• How to lay up a perfect table for dinner and luncheon.

• How to maintain an efficient and hygienic kitchen.

• How to open a bottle of champagne.

• How to pour wine and water at table (the do’s and don’ts).

• How to prepare and serve afternoon and high tea.

• How to prepare and serve fresh fruit.

• How to serve breakfast.

• How to serve dinner with great style and skill.

• How to serve guests with refreshments.

• How to serve the breakfast tray to the bedroom.

• How to treat staff.

• How to understand and prevent the causes of food poisoning.

• How to welcome guests staying overnight.

• Making guests and visitors welcome.

• Packing a suitcase.

• Passing the port.

• Procedures to use when contractors are in the house.

• Security and fire precautions procedure within the house.  (Fire drills etc.)

• Serving guests and visitors refreshments.

• Setting up bars inside the house for parties.

• Staff inspection.  How to inspect staff before each meal and why it is done.

• Taking care of your employer’s clothes and preparing them daily.

• The Butler’s 24 hour day.

• The correct and incorrect way to answer the telephone.

• The correct bearing and attitude of a Butler within the house.

• The Guest and Menu Book.

• The importance of check lists for all occasions.

• The importance of loyalty, tact and dedication.

• The importance of personal hygiene and the means to attain it at all times.

• The importance of your own behavior when off duty.

• The Pantry Book.

• The perfect technique and procedure to interview for a position.

• The reasons why the Butler might bow to guests and how to bow the correct way.

• The Visitors Book.

• What to do when overnight guests do not retire until very late.

• What you should never do and always refuse to do.

• Your attitude and respect for the Chef and Housekeeper.

• Your dress and appearance.