Best Drama Schools in the UK

Introduction

For aspiring actors, selecting the right drama school is a pivotal decision that can shape your career. The best drama schools provide not only the highest quality training but the professional connections and experience needed to excel in the business. The UK boasts some of the finest drama schools globally, renowned for their rigorous training and prestigious alumni.

This article explores the best drama schools in the UK, offering insights into their courses, application processes, and notable graduates. Whether you’re eyeing a career in theatre, film, or television, this guide will help you navigate your options and find the school that aligns with your aspirations.

Applying for drama? Check out our other guides and resources to give your application the edge:

• How to get into drama school
• Drama school audition process
• Drama school audition tips
• Drama school application support

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What to Consider When Choosing a Drama School

The first point to make is that the best acting schools in the UK are intensely competitive. For this reason, you shouldn’t pin all your hopes on just one or two of your favourites – apply to four or five to increase your chances.

Before you start preparing for auditions, there are a few fundamental points to consider. First, is there a particular area of drama or style of acting you want to focus on? Some drama schools are known for their musical theatre degrees, others for the more traditional repertoire. Some take a more ‘method’ approach, others are more conventional, others still are avant garde (think mime, dance, on non-western acting traditions).

If you’re serious about a career in the industry, then the best acting school will need to support your ambitions. You should think practically about the reputation of the drama schools you’re considering, and how these are viewed by agents. If you’re able to, ask around working professionals in drama to find which is the best option from this point of view.

That isn’t to say that the most famous names are necessarily the best, however. There are many excellent regional acting schools in the UK which are less well known to non-professionals but which carry a lot of weight in the industry. Nowadays, agents do stir out of London and attend the top showcases all over the country.

This relates to one final point – do you want to leave home or not? For many students, this is a no-brainer – yes! – but some do find the financial and emotional security of staying at home reassuring as they embark on a highly competitive career path.

Without further ado, let’s get to our list of the best acting schools in the UK.

Top Drama Schools in the UK

1.    Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)

RADA, located in the heart of London, is one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. Established in 1904, it offers a conservatoire-style education that focuses on practical training. The BA Acting course spans three years and covers a comprehensive curriculum including voice, movement, acting techniques, and contextual studies.

Notable Alumni: Alan Rickman, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Lester, and Glenda Jackson.

Application Process: The process is highly competitive, involving four rounds of auditions: two by self-tape, a live digital workshop, and a final in-person audition at RADA. Applications open in October and close in January for the following September intake. The BA (Hons) Acting frequently admits lower than 1% of applicants, with about 28 places to offer and more than 3000 applicants in most years.

2.    London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)

LAMDA, the oldest drama school in the UK, offers an array of courses including a three-year BA in Professional Acting. The school is known for its diverse teaching techniques, covering improvisation, Laban Movement Analysis, and Michael Chekhov Technique, among others.

Notable Alumni: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jim Broadbent, Anna Chancellor, and Maureen Lipman.

Application Process: Applications are submitted through UCAS Conservatoires. Initial auditions are conducted via self-tape performing a contemporary monologue, followed by further rounds including in-person auditions. LAMDA typically offers between 1-1.5% of applicants places in recent years for its BA in Acting.

3.    Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Situated in the Barbican Centre, Guildhall offers a collaborative environment for actors and musicians. The BA Acting course provides conservatoire-style training, and the school boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

Notable Alumni: Ewan McGregor, Daniel Craig, Michaela Coel, and Sarah Lancashire.

Application Process: Guildhall’s highly competitive application involves three rounds of auditions, starting with a self-tape and progressing to in-person assessments. Their application involves three contrasting monologues and an unaccompanied song. Applications open in September and close in January. With a 1% acceptance rate for its BA Acting course, Guildhall presents one of the most competitive application cycles.

4.    The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Central, ranked No. 2 in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2024, offers various specialised courses. The BA Acting degree includes a Musical Theatre course as well as Collaborative and Devised Theatre, and applicants will be auditioned for all three of these BA Acting courses regardless of preference.

Notable Alumni: Judi Dench, Julie Christie, Peggy Ashcroft, and Christopher Eccleston.

Application Process: Applications for BA courses at Central are made via UCAS (the main UCAS scheme, not UCAS conservatoires), and auditions are conducted in multiple rounds across different UK cities. All rounds are in-person. The first round includes performing a classical monologue, a contemporary monologue, and a devised piece in response to a song or painting. Central’s BA Acting course typically attracts around 4000 applicants for roughly 70 offers each year across three ‘tracks’, meaning an offer rate of between 1.5% and 2% in recent years.

5.    Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts

Based in Peckham, South London, Mountview is known for its strong emphasis on practical training. The academy offers BA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Actor Musicianship.

Notable Alumni: Douglas Henshall, Ken Stott, and Amanda Holden.

Application Process: First-round auditions are in person, with candidates performing monologues and participating in a physical improvisation session. Successful applicants proceed to workshops and final panel auditions.

6.    The Oxford School of Drama

This small conservatoire offers an intensive training environment away from city distractions. It provides a three-year or one-year Diploma in Professional Acting, which is convertible to a degree.

Notable Alumni: Claire Foy, Babou Ceesay, and Catherine McCormack.

Application Process: Applications are direct, with initial self-tape auditions of one classical and one modern monologue followed by in-person recalls at the school. Applications open in October and close in April.

7.    Bristol Old Vic Theatre School

Established in 1946, Bristol Old Vic offers MFA courses in Professional Acting. The school is renowned for its rigorous training and strong industry connections. Note: In 2025, Bristol Old Vic announced they will no longer be running undergraduate courses, but will continue to run postgraduate courses (such as the MFA in Professional Acting), short courses, and youth courses

Notable Alumni: Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Jeremy Irons.

Application Process: The application process includes three rounds of auditions, beginning with a self-tape of two contrasting pieces and culminating in an all-day, in-person audition of singing, improvisation, movement, acting, and voice. Applications open in September and close in January.

8.    Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS)

Located in Glasgow, RCS offers a world-class acting and musical theatre courses. The BA Acting course is influenced by the teachings of Jacques Le Cocq.

Notable Alumni: David Tennant and James McAvoy.

Application Process: Applications are submitted through UCAS Conservatoires, with auditions held in Glasgow, London, or online. The process includes two contrasting monologues and workshop-style auditions.

9.    Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD)

Based in Cardiff, RWCMD offers comprehensive training in acting. The BA Acting course is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and industry connections.

Notable Alumni: Anthony Hopkins, Rob Brydon, and Ruth Jones.

Application Process: Applications are submitted through UCAS Conservatoires, followed by multiple rounds of auditions. The first-round audition will involve performing two contrasting monologues via Zoom before applicants present two more monologues in-person in Cardiff for Round 2 and 3.

Best Drama Schools in London

London is a global hub for drama education, offering some of the top institutions:

RADA, LAMDA, Guildhall, Central, and Mountview are standout schools, each providing unique specialisations and training opportunities. From the heart of the West End to the creative corners of Peckham and Chiswick, these schools offer students a vibrant, immersive environment for their acting education.

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Best Drama Schools in the World

Juilliard School (USA)

Located in New York City, Juilliard is synonymous with excellence in the performing arts. It offers a highly competitive BFA in Acting, focusing on classical training and performance. Juilliard provides a rigorous conservatory education in a vibrant artistic community. The program emphasises a blend of classical and contemporary techniques, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voices.

Specialisation: The BFA Acting program includes courses in voice, speech, movement, and various acting techniques, along with opportunities to perform in numerous productions.

Application Process: The process includes an initial application, followed by several rounds of auditions and interviews. Applicants must prepare classical and contemporary monologues and demonstrate their range and potential through various performance tasks.

Notable Alumni: Robin Williams, Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Kevin Spacey, Laura Linney.

Tisch School of the Arts (USA)

Part of New York University, Tisch is renowned for its diverse programs and creative approach to the arts. Tisch offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore various aspects of the performing arts, from acting to directing, writing, and producing.

Specialisation: Tisch’s drama program includes intensive studio training combined with a broad liberal arts education. Students can choose to focus on acting, musical theatre, or other performance disciplines.

Application Process: Applicants must submit an online application, academic transcripts, and standardised test scores, followed by auditions that include monologues, songs, and an interview.

Notable Alumni: Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, Anne Hathaway, Alec Baldwin, Philip Seymour Hoffman.

National Institute of Dramatic Art (Australia)

NIDA is Australia’s leading dramatic arts school, providing rigorous training for aspiring performers.NIDA offers a comprehensive education in the dramatic arts, blending traditional methods with innovative approaches. It fosters a collaborative environment where students engage in all aspects of theatre production.

Specialisation: The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting includes courses in voice, movement, acting techniques, and screen acting, with numerous performance opportunities.

Application Process: The application process involves submitting an online application, followed by multiple audition rounds where applicants present prepared pieces and participate in workshops.

Notable Alumni: Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Baz Luhrmann, Mel Gibson, Toni Collette.

Canadian College of Performing Arts (Canada)

Located in Victoria, British Columbia, this college is dedicated to nurturing artistic talent in a supportive environment. The Canadian College of Performing Arts offers a dynamic training program that combines rigorous technical training with creative exploration. It prepares students for diverse careers in the performing arts.

Specialisation: The college offers a comprehensive degree in musical theatre and performance arts, focusing on acting, voice, dance, and stagecraft.

Application Process: Applicants must submit an application form, academic transcripts, and audition materials, including monologues, songs, and a dance piece. Successful applicants are invited to attend an audition and interview.

Notable Alumni: Numerous successful performers in Canadian theatre and beyond, including theatre actors, musical theatre performers, and screen actors.

Le Conservatoire de Paris (France)

One of the most prestigious institutions in Europe, it is known for its classical approach to drama and music. Le Conservatoire de Paris offers a world-class education in the dramatic arts, combining rigorous technical training with artistic development. The program emphasises classical theatre techniques and modern performance styles.

Specialisation: The conservatoire provides comprehensive training in acting, voice, movement, and theatre history, with numerous opportunities for public performances.

Application Process: The application process includes submitting an online application, followed by several audition rounds where applicants perform classical and contemporary monologues and participate in workshops and interviews.

Notable Alumni: A host of celebrated actors and performers in French cinema and theatre, including Jeanne Moreau, Isabelle Huppert, and Guillaume Canet.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drama school is a critical step for any aspiring actor. The UK offers some of the best drama schools globally, each with unique strengths and specialisations. Whether you aim for classical theatre, contemporary performance, or are looking for a musical theatre degree, there’s a school that can cater to your ambitions. Carefully consider the courses, application processes, and alumni success stories to find the perfect fit for your acting career.

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