Eddie PhilipsThe UK is home to some of the world’s most respected drama and performing arts schools. Whether you dream of becoming a professional actor, director, stage manager, or theatre creator, the country offers a wide selection of programs known for academic excellence, industry connections and world-class training environments.
Below are the top 50 drama schools in the UK, carefully ranked based on reputation, quality of training, alumni success, facilities, and overall industry influence.
Top Best 50 Drama Schools in the UK
1. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
RADA is widely regarded as the most prestigious drama school in the UK. Founded in 1904, it has produced some of the greatest names in acting history. The school offers BA Acting, MA Theatre Lab, Short Courses, and technical theatre programs. Its training focuses on classical and contemporary performance, voice, movement, and screen acting. Facilities include professional theatres, rehearsal studios, and industry showcases.
2. London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA), London
LAMDA is another elite institution known worldwide for its rigorous conservatoire-style training. Students receive advanced coaching in acting, voice, movement, stage combat, improvisation, and camera performance. LAMDA’s alumni include award-winning actors in film, TV, and theatre. It is also known for excellent agent showcases.
3. Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London
Guildhall offers a highly competitive BA Acting programme. The school has close connections to the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Students train in classical, modern, and devised performance. Facilities include the Milton Court Theatre and several rehearsal studios on its state-of-the-art campus.
4. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Bristol
One of the oldest and most respected drama schools in the UK. Bristol Old Vic combines traditional actor training with modern performance techniques. Students get hands-on experience with professional productions. Alumni include Daniel Day-Lewis and Olivia Colman.
5. Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London
Central is known for its innovative approach to acting, applied theatre, drama pedagogy, and technical arts. Its BA Acting programme is one of the most selective in the UK, and it offers over 40 theatre-related degrees.
6. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), Glasgow
RCS provides world-class drama and musical theatre programmes. The training is conservatoire-style, intensive, and industry-focused. Students work closely with professional directors and casting agents. Alumni include James McAvoy and David Tennant.
7. Oxford School of Drama, Woodstock
A small, elite drama school offering a highly intensive and practical approach. The Oxford School of Drama limits its intake, ensuring individual attention. It consistently ranks among the best for acting and performance.
8. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London
Known for acting, musical theatre, and directing. Mountview offers excellent facilities and strong industry relationships. Its showcases attract top London talent agencies.
9. ArtsEd (Arts Educational Schools), London
One of the best schools for musical theatre and acting, with a strong balance of practical and academic training. Many West End performers come from ArtsEd.
10. Manchester School of Theatre, Manchester Metropolitan University
This school offers an exceptional BA Acting programme, known for contemporary performance and screen acting. Graduates work in film, TV, theatre, and radio.
11. East 15 Acting School, University of Essex
East 15 is known for its diverse and experimental approach. It offers unique degrees such as Physical Theatre, Acting & Stage Combat, and World Performance.
12. Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance, London
One of the UK’s leading drama schools, specialising in acting, theatre design, and performance arts. Known for strong international partnerships.
13. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Liverpool
Co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney, LIPA offers practical actor training with industry-level performance opportunities and advanced facilities.
14. Birmingham School of Acting (Royal Birmingham Conservatoire)
Part of Birmingham City University, BSA offers high-level conservatoire training in acting, applied theatre, and stage production.
15. Drama Studio London
A professional drama school offering intensive one- and two-year actor training programs. Known for preparing students for immediate industry work.
16. Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), Cardiff
RWCMD offers comprehensive actor training, design, and stage management courses. Students benefit from the college’s excellent theatres and professional partnerships.
17. Drama Centre London (Legacy Programs)
Although Drama Centre closed in 2022, its alumni and legacy programs still influence UK training standards. Many of its methods continue at partner schools.
18. Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company, London
Known for physical theatre, ensemble training, and contemporary performance. Offers a unique alternative to traditional conservatoire programmes.
19. Academy of Live & Recorded Arts (ALRA) – Legacy Alumni
Although ALRA closed, its alumni network and legacy training influence are still respected in the UK drama industry.
20. Performers College, Essex and Birmingham
Known for musical theatre and acting. Offers a mixture of practical and academic training with strong employability outcomes.
21. University of Kent – School of Arts
Provides strong drama and theatre degrees with opportunities for practical performance, directing, and research-based study.
22. University of York – School of Arts and Creative Technologies
Known for high-quality theatre, acting, and media performance courses. Excellent for students interested in interdisciplinary creative arts.
23. University of Exeter – Drama Department
Highly respected research-led drama school offering practical and theoretical training. Known for physical theatre and experimental performance.
24. Royal Holloway University of London – Drama and Theatre Studies
One of the top universities for academic and practical drama, combining industry placements with rigorous theatrical research.
25. University of Warwick – Theatre & Performance Studies
Ranked highly for theoretical and practical drama training. Offers strong flexibility for students exploring directing, performance, and production.
26. University of Manchester – Drama Department
Provides a mix of academic and performance-based training. Well-known for stagecraft, directing, and applied theatre.
27. Queen Mary University of London – School of Acting and Performance
An excellent choice for contemporary performance, live art, and experimental theatre practices.
28. Kingston University – Drama & Theatre Arts
A practical programme with strong industry links, focusing on acting, directing, and theatre production.
29. University of Reading – Film, Theatre & Television
Highly regarded for interdisciplinary training in screen and stage performance.
30. University of Leeds – School of Performance & Cultural Industries
Great for students seeking broad drama training with opportunities in acting, directing, and production.
31. Leeds Conservatoire
Provides actor training with a strong focus on screen acting and contemporary theatre.
32. Nottingham Trent University – Theatre Design & Performance
Known for applied theatre, theatre design, and performance-based programmes.
33. University of Lincoln – School of Fine & Performing Arts
Offers strong acting and theatre degrees with a focus on creativity and industry preparation.
34. University for the Creative Arts (UCA)
Great for film acting, screen performance, and creative theatre-making.
35. University of Derby – Performing Arts
Provides practical training in acting, theatre, performance, and contemporary arts.
36. Falmouth University – AMATA
Known for creative arts and performance training, with excellent facilities and industry connections.
37. Bath Spa University – Acting & Theatre
Offers strong performance and acting degrees, especially for students interested in contemporary theatre.
38. De Montfort University – Drama Studies
A balance of practice and academic study with opportunities in community theatre and directing.
39. Coventry University – Theatre and Professional Practice
Emphasises practical actor training and applied theatre.
40. University of Northampton – Acting & Creative Practice
Strong for acting, performance, and production with modern facilities.
41. University of Winchester – Performing Arts
Offers acting, drama, and musical theatre pathways with industry exposure.
42. University of Portsmouth – Drama & Performance
Known for practical performance, directing, and applied theatre.
43. University of Chichester – Theatre & Acting
Strong acting courses with excellent student support and experienced faculty.
44. Edge Hill University – Performing Arts
Offers a wide range of performance degrees including acting, physical theatre, and drama.
45. University of Salford – Actor Training
Known for screen acting and media-focused performance studies.
46. Staffordshire University – Acting & Performance
Offers hands-on actor training with opportunities in theatre and digital performance.
47. Sheffield Hallam University – Acting & Performance
Provides practical acting training with a strong focus on employability.
48. University of Wolverhampton – Performing Arts
Covers acting, theatre, and performance with a practical, industry-led curriculum.
49. University of Sunderland – Performing Arts
Offers acting, performance, and screen-based courses with modern facilities.
50. Buckinghamshire New University – Performing Arts
A good option for students seeking acting and theatre degrees with a flexible, creative curriculum.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drama school in the UK can shape your career, offering world-class training, professional exposure, and essential performance skills. Whether you prefer traditional conservatoire training or modern, experimental programmes, the UK offers a diverse range of exceptional institutions.