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While many fine Butlers learned their trade with on-the-job training in fine homes and hotels, a handful of butler training schools around the globe are providing a fast track to the world of butling for their graduates. However, in too many cases, the effort to provide a fast track is resulting in a failure to provide necessary, marketable skills.
The Institute provides the list of butler schools below as a public service. Listing does not imply endorsement. In fact, the sad truth is that not all schools are living up to expectations, thereby leaving graduates at a disadvantage and placement agencies at a loss and worsening the repute of all butler schools by association.
The Institute has developed a list of subjects that schools should cover, in theory, as well as with sufficient role-playing and practical drills and real life exercises so as to give graduates the basic and actual skills they need. When this is accomplished, and personalized continuing education programs and internships are made part of the line-up, graduates, agencies and employers will have more certainty that the graduates from that school can be counted upon to perform satisfactorily and there should be no more issues with disappointed graduates who cannot find positions.
The Institute strongly recommends internships under existing butlers to provide the necessary experience and resume/CV building that will not only provide graduates with the certainty on their actions, but also appeal to employers who generally prefer to hire experienced butlers. (See also our page on Internships.)
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We recommend that prospective students investigate each school fully before commiting their finances and time. Perhaps the following questions should be answered before selecting a school:
- How many of the subjects recommended in the Suggested Curriculum..
 are covered in the curriculum offered?
- Does the curriculum contain theory, role-playing, hands-on drilling, actual performance of the skills, as well as field trips?
We would like to emphasize that a 4-12 week course does not a polished professional make. Schools give the basic idea. Internships provide the familiarity and greater certainty one needs to be a butler. A few years of in residence experience puts one along the road to being an accomplished Butler. As for being the consummate Butler, that's a lifetime quest. But as you begin the journey, make sure the school you choose is right for you.
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The kind of information that will prove useful includes: |
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“In trying to lend legitimacy to their institution, some Web sites will fudge their language to make it appear, for instance, that their trainers are experienced, whereas the truth, on investigation, is that they have only graduated from the very same school and are simply regurgitating their version of a prior teacher’s presentation. Without pointing fingers, we wish to alert potential students to the pitfalls and empower you to ensure a satisfactory outcome...because there are some legitimate schools who can add value to your resume and experience.” |
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 Thames & Valley University, London, United Kingdom
The design of the course is targeted at promoting the role of the professional butler. It focuses on service and management skills to enable
you to run an efficient household and estate. You will acquire an international skill set to enable you to work in a number of countries where butlers are in great demand. There are six mandatory units and six optional units, covering everything from travel and flower arrangements to fine wines and serving skills.
Entry criteria:
Good standard of education with a good spread of GCSE results and, if possible, A Level results. Also you need to be working in the industry.
Exit skills:
You will acquire the skills to manage staff and train staff effectively. Your skills will demonstrate ability and competence which will, in turn, give your present and future employers trust in your ability.
Duration: 1-2 years, partitime.
Start date: September 2009 (continuous)
Cost: Contact the university for specifics
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The Australian Butler Training School
The school, run by Australian Butlers Pty. Ltd., provides training for selected individuals with existing hospitality or service industry backgrounds who can be placed immediately into the job market. The school was set up in 1997 by the Principal, Ms. Pamela Spruce, to provide training in residential and estate management to fill the growing demand for professional household staff.
The course is both practical and interactive and covers all aspects of contemporary butling and management of private estates, government houses and corporate boardrooms. Field trips are part of the curriculum. Lecturers are expert in their various fields and guest speakers and working butlers make an important contribution.
Emphasis is placed on employment and on-the-job support to graduates. The global network of ABTS graduates provides valuable feedback on employer expectations and current trends. Course content is regularly reviewed and updated.
Training location: The Doncaster (small luxury hotel) near Canberra, ACT
Instructors: Ms. Pamela Spruce, assisted by four professional trainers, various experts and guest speakers
Length of course: 4 weeks (6 days a week)
Number of courses per year: Three
Cost: AU$5,000 including accommodations, field trips, training manual and all course material
The Australian Butler Training School offers two scholarships each year and works with clients to provide a limited number of apprenticeships for graduate butlers.
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Magnums Butler School
Founder and principal of Magnums, English-born Josephine Ive, created Australia's first butler & valet training school in 1987 following extensive industry experience, including in England.
Magnums' curriculum covers each area of the 21st century butler's skill set in detail and includes plenty of hands-on experience.
All study is supported with a MAGNUMS butler/valet training manual, textbooks, video presentations, notes and field trips.
Magnums additionally offers correspondence courses on-line and the opportunity for one-on-one, intensive mentoring at the end of such online butler/valet training programs.
Further, they offer short "refresher courses" for butlers and household managers already in service who would like to update their skill set, and training for high-end yacht stewards.
Training location: Coes Creek, Queensland, Australia
Instructor: Ms. Josephine Ive
Length of course: 4 weeks
Number of courses per year: 2 major courses
Cost: AUD$4,500 plus tax. Accommodation is not included but is available at different price levels. Students pay all their own travel expenses.
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The Butler Training Academy
The Guild of Professional English Butlers' principal, Mr. Robert Watson, founded the Academy to provide training for individuals who already have some previous experience in hotels or similar environment or who are already working in a household position but wish to enhance their skills.
Courses are both practical and interactive, expecting students to be fully involved at every stage. Field trips are part of the curriculum. Butlers from various areas of the profession visit the Academy as dinner guests and provide valuable insights into life as a butler as well as help and advice to the students.
Training location: London, England, and Las Vegas, USA
Instructors: Mr. Robert Watson and guest lecturers.
Length of course: 4 weeks (6 days a week)
Number of courses per year: 2
Cost: Contact the Academy for details.
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The Ivor Spencer International Butler School
Ivor Spencer International School for Butler Administrators/ Personal Assistants and Estate Managers
Ivor Spencer established his school in January 1981 for individuals who are not "to the manners born," yet who wish to dedicate their lives to the performance of domestic service. At the Ivor Spencer International School for Butler Administrators/Personal Assistants in London, Spencer personally trains men and occasionally women, ages 17 to 65 in the white-gloved ways of domestic service. A professional toastmaster and master of ceremonies for forty years, he is an expert on etiquette in the British tradition. Courses included field trips.
Training location: London; usually at a hotel in rooms rented for the duration of the course.
Instructors: Generally one head instructor with Mr. Spencer lightly involved.
Length of course: 6 weeks
Number of courses per year: 1-2
Cost: The course fee is £5287.50 (US $9,650.00). Fees do not include food and accommodation.
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The Butler Valet School
Mr. Richard Fink, a butler for 45 years, opened his Butler-Valet School in October of 2002.
The course focuses exclusively on the service required by today's top society, managing and running their private residences. Mr. Fink takes a practical approach with plenty of hands-on study as well as field trips. Students learn all the skills required to run a large household and be a professional butler-valet.
The school also offers short refresher courses.
Training location: A Georgian mansion located eight miles north of Oxford, England.
Instructors: Mr. Richard Fink; various guest speakers.
Length of course: 6 weeks
Number of courses per year: 2
Cost: £7,800 (US $15,000), which includes accommodations and food. The school also reimburses some travel fees.
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ThomasSchool of British Butlers
Mr. and Mrs Thomas, both industry professionals, established the school in 1994. Courses are designed to train people for positions in private service. The TSBB retains the traditional image and values that one would expect of a butler while training students to work in today's modern environment and lifestyle. The school teaches all aspects of butlering in theory and practice.
Training groups are kept small. Teaching sessions include written, theory and practical sessions. Comprehensive course books are provided for each student. Field trips are included in the curriculum and regular guest speakers are invited to address the students.
Training location: Lavendon, Buckinghamshire, England
Instructors: Mr. John Thomas and his wife, Josephine Thomas.
Length of course: 5 weeks
Number of courses per year: 2-3 (Note the last course listed on the website was dated March 2004. No schedule yet posted for 2005.)
Cost: £3,500 (US $6,700), which includes coursework, books and visits but not food and accommodations.
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Greycoat Academy
Affiliated to Greycoat Placements, the Greycoat Academy provides two short courses designed specifically for people considering the butler profession and those in the profession wishing to improve their skills.
While longer courses offered by other schools are excellent, these two- and three-day Greycoat Academy courses/workshops can be attractive to those unable to make such significant investments in time and/or money.
The Certificate Course gives students a taste of the profession, covering the broad spectrum of life in private service, the duties and skills required of a butler, household management skills, some first aid, flower arranging, presentation of food, fire and health and safety, as well as the traditional methods of serving fine wines and food.
Many employers use this short course to add polish and professionalism to their staff. The Certificate Course is also open to housekeepers and couples, and is particularly suited to those leaving the armed forces looking to move forward with a new career.
The Diploma Course is designed for experienced Butlers who attend tutorials, work at a formal dinner party, and are assessed both by written tests and by practical demonstrations.
Training location: The first day of the course is taught in the training suite at Greycoat Placements in Belgravia, London. Days two and three are in a private household near Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Course Instructors: Ms. Jane Urquhart, the Greycoat Academy Director of Studies, assisted by other faculty members.
Course duration: 2-3 days
Number of courses: 3-4 courses are delivered annually. Contact Greycoat to find out when the next courses are scheduled.
Cost: £705 total, including UK VAT. Lunch and light refreshments are provided. Accommodation is not included but the school recommends several B&B establishments, which cost approx £55 per night in London and £35 per night in the country.
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The International Butler Academy (Netherlands)
Founded by Director Robert Wennekes, the International Butler Academy has been operating since January 2000. It is located in Zeist, the Netherlands, and offers an eight-week course that introduces and trains students in the expected duties of a butler, personal assistant, valet, estate and house manager. Students are given some hands-on experience.
Training location: Huis 't Veldt, Zeist, The Netherlands. Each course includes a number of field trips.
Instructors: 6 professionals from around the world, including the school's director, each teach specific segments of the course. There are also a number of guest speakers.
Length of course: 8 weeks
Number of courses offered per year: 2-3
Cost: US $16,000 (EU 12,500), which includes room, board and tailored butler uniforms. The school also reimburses airfares for some students.
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Starkey International (Household Manager School)
The Starkey International Institute was established by Ms. Marie-Louise Starkey to develop American Standards of Service. The Institute teaches the patented Starkey Service Management model for private homes, utilizing three texts and software published by its own Mansion Publishing house.
Starkey also hosts the annual international conference for the profession, Restoring The Art.
Their Certified Household Management Program is an eight-week, basic course for those new to the profession.
The Certified Manager's program is designed for those with extensive service management backgrounds. It is offered twice a year. It covers, in accelerated format, all aspects of the basic program.
On both courses, students are provided with the necessary hands-on experience including working in a fully equipped kitchen. Students host potential employers and Denver society at formal dinners and learn to entertain with finesse.
Training location: Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; and various sites throughout the United States.
Instructors: Head Instructor, Head Chef, Household Manager, and 28 skill-specific instructors.
Course duration: Household Management Course 8 weeks; Professional Service Manager's course 4 weeks; they also offer week-long Estate Management seminars (for those currently working within the private service profession).
Number of courses: Four Household Management courses in Denver; two Professional Service Manager courses (Denver in spring and Washington, DC in the fall).
Cost: $10,800 for the 8-week course, with housing at the Mansion optional for an additional $1,500. The 4-week course is $7,400 with optional housing at the Mansion for an additional $850. Seminars are individually priced.
Apprenticeships are available through Starkey International and the U.S. Department of Labor. Lifelong placement services are provided for those graduates in good standing.
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Professional Domestics Institute(Household Manager School)
Founded by Ms. Carol Scudere, this is the only State-Certified School in the United States that trains Estate Housekeepers, Household Managers, Administrative Household Managers, Personal Assistants, and Estate Managers. The school offers a constantly evolving curriculum designed to instruct students in how to properly care for a family and home of quality while going above and beyond their employers' expectations. The school also offers long-distance courses.
Training location: In the home of its founder, located in Powell, Ohio, USA
Instructors: Ms. Scudere, assisted by more than 25 guest instructors from different professions ranging from wine connoisseurs and chefs to a horticulturists and attorney.
Length of Course: 3 - 8 weeks, depending on the course you’re taking.
Number of courses per year: 4 courses each for Certified Professional Household Manager, Estate Housekeeping and Certified Administrative Household Management and Personal Assistant.
Cost: Between $3,500 and $6,500 per course, depending on which program you take. Books, materials, uniforms and room & board are additional.
Internships: The Professional Domestic Institute does not offer internships, but offers assistance with placement upon graduation.
Contact: Call the school at 740-881-3358
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The Charles MacPherson Academy for Butlers and Household Managers
The Academy's principal, Charles MacPherson, has over 21 years of experience in the field of household management and domestic placement. He started the Academy in the fall of 2008. The school has a full course syllabus and curriculum that all teachers follow. The inter-disciplinary syllabus is set so that all teachers have a framework and guideline to ensure consistency in standards and objectives. The curricular mandate is to turn out skilled professionals who meet the service demands of the 21st Century.
Training location: Toronto, Canada
Instructors: Mr. MacPherson is the main tutor, assisted by about 10 professionals from different disciplines from gardening to wardrobe maintenance and protocol.
Length of Course: 8 weeks
Number of courses per year: 3
Cost: The course fee is US $10,000.00 Fees do not include food and accommodation
Internships: The Professional Domestic Institute does not offer internships, but offers assistance with placement upon graduation.
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