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.

• Attributes a butler should have.
• 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 hotel concierge, as an investment.
• How, and if to accept a gratuity from a guest.
• How to answer the door to family, friends, and visitors.
• How to answer the telephone correctly.
• How to address and treat guests with and 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 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 special diets when serving a meal.
• How to deal with staff who have been caught stealing.
• 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, 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 provide "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 with a drunken guest at the dinner table.
• How to hire staff.
• How to treat staff.
• 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 move house.
• How to open a bottle of champagne.
• How to organize and run Christmas Day.
• How to pack a suitcase.
• How to pour wine and water at the 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 the breakfast tray in the bedroom.
• How to serve dinner with great style and skill.
• How to serve refreshments.
• How to set the perfect table for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• How to understand and prevent the causes of food poisoning.
• How to unpack a suitcase.
• How to welcome guests staying overnight.
• Passing the port.
• Procedures to use when contractors are in the house.
• Security and fire precautions procedure within the house, including fire drills.
• 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 bearing and attitude of a butler within the house.
• The Butler Book, the Guest Book, the Menu Book, the Visitor Book, the Maintenance Book, the Pantry Book,
• The importance of checklists for all occasions.
• The importance of loyalty, tact, and dedication.
• The importance of personal hygiene and how to maintain this at all times.
• The importance of your own 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.
• What a butler should never do and always refuse to do.
• 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.
• Your personal norms and values.