The curriculum - an example

The International Butler Academy prides itself on attention to every detail. For students to achieve the exceptionally high standards required by the Academy and employers, 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.

• A butler’s norms and values.
• Adhering to the Rules and Regulations of the household.
• Attributes a butler should have.
• Creating and managing the household budget, budgeting and managing daily expenses, and preparing monthly and annual budgets.
• Cultural diversity and awareness.
• Describing the table plan, table index, seating plan, and place cards.
• Hand-made shirts, shoes, and suits made to measure.
• How and if to accept a gratuity from a guest.
• How and when to prepare the morning tray and deliver it to your employer.
• How to address and treat guests with and without titles.
• How to answer the door to family, friends, and visitors.
• How to answer the telephone correctly.
• How to balance menus.
• How to behave and get on with everyone, from staff members to the most important guests.
• How to clean and prepare shoes.
• How to deal with a greedy guest.
• How to deal with a guest seen stealing.
• How to deal with a guest who arrived unexpectedly and uninvited.
• How to deal with a staff member seen stealing.
• How to deal with special diets when serving a meal.
• How to deal with the task of having to ask a guest to leave the house.
• How to discipline staff.
• How to discover the likes and dislikes of guests before arrival.
• How to get the very best value for the employer when shopping.
• How to handle a drunken employer.
• How to handle a drunken guest at the dinner table.
• How to handle a situation when a guest prays into your employer’s affairs.
• How to handle a situation when the employer wants favors from the butler.
• How to hire and fire staff.
• How to inspect staff before each meal and why this is done.
• How to lay up a perfect table for dinner and luncheon.
• How to maintain an efficient and hygienic kitchen.
• How to make a guest or visitor feel welcome.
• How to meet a visitor at the airport or rail station with great skill.
• How to move house.
• How to open a bottle of champagne.
• How to organize and run Christmas Day, a wedding, or any event.
• How to pack and unpack a suitcase.
• How to pour wine, water, and other beverages at the table (the do’s and don’ts).
• How to prepare and serve afternoon or high tea.
• How to prepare and serve fresh fruit.
• How to provide "silver service," "butler service," and many other styles of service.
• How to serve breakfast.
• How to serve dinner with great style and skill.
• How to serve refreshments anywhere in the house.
• How to serve the breakfast tray in the bedroom.
• How to set the perfect table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• How to tip or give a present to, for example, a hotel concierge, as an investment.
• How to treat staff.
• How to understand and prevent the causes of food poisoning.
• How to welcome guests staying overnight.
• International etiquette and protocol for the modern butler.
• Laundry and wardrobe management.
• Passing the port.
• Pet Care.
• Procedures to use when contractors are in and around the house.
• Security and fire precautions procedures within the house, including fire drills.
• Setting up bars inside and outside the house for large parties.
• Take care of your employer’s clothes and prepare them daily.
• The art of bed-making.
• The art of orchestrating your Principal’s image.
• The Butler Book, the Guest Book, the Menu Book, the Visitor Book, the Maintenance Book, the Pantry Book,
• The butler in the role of Toastmaster, PA, Nanny, Chef, Chauffeur, and Bodyguard.
• The butler’s 24-hour day.
• The correct bearing and attitude of a butler within the house.
• The importance of checklists for all occasions.
• The importance of choosing the proper cleaning tools and products.
• The importance of loyalty, tact, and dedication.
• The importance of personal hygiene and how to maintain this at all times.
• The importance of your behavior when off duty.
• The modern butler using cutting-edge technology.
• 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.
• Understanding and appreciating Chinese and other cultures.
• What a butler should never do and always refuse to do.
• What are the job responsibilities of a modern European housekeeper.
• What to do when an item from the house is stolen.
• What to do when overnight guests do not retire until very late.
• Your attitude and respect for the chef and housekeeper.
• Your dress and appearance.