We concluded that having a list of only London acting schools was insufficient, so we conducted research, interviewed students and teachers, and produced a new one – the finest acting schools in the UK.
This one is a Top 10 list of the greatest acting schools in the UK, so you should have more leeway in deciding which drama school to attend if you live in the United Kingdom.
After all, getting into one is a difficult feat and if you succeed, you’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery.
Every year, hundreds of teenagers and young people opt to pursue a career as actors. They believe that performance is the only way to bring enjoyment into their lives and I completely understand them.
However, when students graduate from secondary school (“high school” for our US visitors), they face a dilemma: whether a degree in performing arts is essential to succeed.
A list of acting schools in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is one of the top destinations in the world to launch an acting career and study drama.
There are various drama schools in the country and many offer courses to international students.
Check the websites of these prominent schools to see if the courses are currently available.
Top Acting Schools in London
1. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London
Mountview, as it is commonly known, is currently one of the top drama schools in the United Kingdom.
It was established in 1945 and its current president is our beloved ‘M’, Dame Judi Dench. The school places a major emphasis on professional stage training but it also provides exposure to adjacent businesses.
There are rumors that Mountview continues to support its alumni months and even years after graduation.
So, if it is something you are interested in (connections for years to come, why not?), you should seriously consider applying to Mountview.
2. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasglow
The second top acting school in London is a drama school for actors in Scotland. RCS (formerly RSAMD for Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama) is a reputable drama school founded in 1847.
Prince Charles is presently a patron of the academy, which helps to sustain the school’s status as a thriving conservatoire.
In addition to excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programs, RCS offers the Junior Academy of Drama to young people under the age of 18 who want to gain a head start in their performing careers.
It is undoubtedly one of the places where you will not regret receiving training.
3. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, London
LAMDA is one of the world’s oldest drama schools. Since its inception in 1861, it has generated some incredible talent. Graduates of this drama school have already won 19 BAFTAs, 4 Academy Awards, 16 Golden Globes, 36 Olivier Awards, and 12 Tony Awards.
Aside from the fact that this school appears to be strong, anyone who can add LAMDA to their resume will have a leg up in terms of superb training and celebrity connections.
4. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London
RADA was founded in 1904 and is not just regarded as one of the top acting schools in London but also the most difficult to gain admission to. It is titled this way for a reason: it exudes regal prestige.
There are lessons with just one teacher and up to three pupils. It is reported that The Beatles became renowned when their RADA-trained manager taught them how to be dramatic.
If you are accepted, you will undoubtedly be on the radar of agents and casting directors once you graduate.
5. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff
RWCMD ranks fifth among the top acting schools in London. RWCMD—the National Conservatoire of Wales — was founded in 1949 in Cardiff Castle and is now on par with the best drama institutions in the United Kingdom and around the world.
According to what I’ve read about this school, they take great care of their students both during and after they graduate to help them get started in the field.
The institution has extensive ties to local television stations, frequently invites casting directors and hosts over 300 public performances each year.
If you live in Cardiff or Wales, try applying to this acting school; you will not be disappointed.
6. Oxford School of Drama | Woodstock.
Oxford Drama School is one of the UK’s youngest acting schools. While it has only been established for around 26 years, it has already produced a significant number of brilliant and well-known artists.
It’s a small institution with only 18 students per course; thus, competition for a spot at this school among outstanding wannabe actors is strong.
This theater school is completely independent and has no affiliation with any of the United Kingdom’s universities.
7. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts | London
Italia Conti was formed in 1911 and is named after its creator, Italia Conti, a well-known female actor at the time.
This drama school has always offered a new approach to actor training built on the foundation of traditional talents, with a heavy emphasis on on-screen acting. It is one of the top acting schools in London
Many professionals at this institution work in the sector, which leads to valuable relationships after graduation.
We strongly advise you to attend this school, as it is widely regarded as one of the greatest acting schools in the United Kingdom.
8. Central School of Speech and Drama, London
This is one of the top acting schools in London. CSSD is a well-recognized theater and drama school that was established in 1906.
To say you were able to fill a spot in Central, as it’s often called, is a statement of pride.
Throughout the years, this drama school has produced several exceptionally gifted actors who have achieved success on stage and in film and TV.
This is one of London’s most unusual institutes for budding actors, constantly ready to provide a fresh approach to theater and cinema acting training.
9. Bristol’s Old Vic Theatre School
Sir Laurence Olivier created the Old Vic Theatre School in 1946. It is presently a Conservatoire for Dance and Drama affiliate, as well as an associate school at the University of the West of England’s Faculty of Creative Arts.
The school offers world-class actor training and has trained some of today’s most famous and gifted actors, including Daniel Day-Lewis, the only actor to have won three Academy Awards in the lead category.
Don’t dispute that Old Vic deserves to be on a top ten list of the greatest acting schools in the UK, and if you have the opportunity, consider training at this incredible institution.
1o. Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London
The final school on our finest acting schools in the UK list is GSMD in London. This theatrical school is one of the most prestigious in the country, with alumni including outstanding artists like Jacqueline du Pre and James Galway, as well as actors who have created a name for themselves in both the UK and US markets.
Dominic West states of GSMD: “Guildhall provides broad training; it is not prescriptive.” “We can be versatile.” Michelle Dockery stated, “Getting in was like winning the lottery.”
Conclusion
Some schools are better recognized for musical theatre training, which is ideal if you want to kick your legs high in the chorus line, but others will embrace classical texts and authors if you prefer RSC over Kinky Boots.
Whatever course you choose, keep in mind that this school will be your support network for at least three years (more if you pursue an MA).
You’ll also meet some of your best friends here, who will stick by your side throughout your career. Previously, to become a successful actress, you had to study in London.
While attending school, it helps to be closer to where the majority of castings take place, but there are lots of other alternatives available.
Agents attend the majority of showcases and several area schools are excellent. Say yes to locations that make you feel comfortable, happy, and supported, rather than places that you believe will “only look great” on your CV.
There are many more theater schools to pick from, but here are a few of the most well-known.
