Lauren Cuthbertson was born in Devon in 1984. She began studying dance at a local dance school run by Pamela De Waal (now the Buckingham Dance Studios in Paignton), becoming focused on classical ballet when she was offered a place on the Royal Ballet School's Junior Associate Programme. As a junior associate, she took part in weekly classes based on the Royal Ballet School training system. These are held in major cities throughout the UK, for young dancers who show a particular aptitude for ballet.

Cuthbertson later auditioned successfully for a permanent place at the Royal Ballet School based at White Lodge, Richmond Park. She attended the school from the age of 11-16 and was then offered a place to further her training at the upper school. Skipping 2nd year, she went straight into the 3rd year and graduated at age 17.