Thinking of going to drama school in the UK? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of young people (and some not-so-young ones too) set their sights on becoming actors, stage managers, voice artists, and all sorts of other theatre folk. And the UK? It’s one of the best places to learn the craft. From Shakespeare to Sam Mendes, Britain has produced some seriously talented people.
If you want proper training, real experience, and a foot in the door of the industry, picking the right school can make a big difference. So here’s a guide to the top drama schools in the UK — no fluff, no jargon, just the stuff that matters.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) – London
Let’s start with the big one. RADA is about as famous as it gets. It’s old (founded in 1904), respected, and very hard to get into. Big names like Anthony Hopkins, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Alan Rickman studied here. RADA’s training is serious business. If you get in, expect long days filled with voice lessons, movement classes, text work, and hours on stage. They’re tough, but they care — and you’ll walk out as a stronger performer.
It’s based in central London, right near Tottenham Court Road. That means you’re surrounded by theatres, casting offices, and everything you’d want if you’re trying to make it in the industry.
Courses: 3-year BA in Acting, short courses, and technical theatre programmes too.
Worth knowing: It’s super competitive. But if you get in, it’s a game-changer.
London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
LAMDA is another big name. It’s slightly younger than RADA but just as respected. It’s known for being professional, rigorous, and very industry-connected. One thing people love about LAMDA is its clear focus on technique. You’re not just doing improv and pretending to be a tree. You’re learning how to handle Shakespeare, how to breathe properly, and how to land a scene. The teachers push you, but in the best way. Graduates include Benedict Cumberbatch, Ruth Wilson, and David Oyelowo. That’s a pretty strong list.
Courses: 3-year acting course, one-year foundation, directing programmes, and more.
Fun fact: Their campus in West London has a brand-new theatre space and rehearsal rooms. It’s lovely.
Also Read: Ten Highest-Earning British Celebs – Know Who is Earning How Much
Guildhall School of Music & Drama – London
Guildhall isn’t just a drama school — it also trains musicians, composers, and stage technicians. So if you’re into collaboration and being surrounded by different kinds of artists, this could be your spot. Acting at Guildhall is very hands-on. You’ll do voice training, physical theatre, clown work, camera technique, and perform in front of real audiences during your final year. They also do public performances, which casting directors often attend. Alumni include Daniel Craig, Michaela Coel, and Ewan McGregor.
Courses: 3-year BA Acting and a 1-year MA for postgrads.
Good to know: They’re part of the Barbican Centre, so you’re right at the heart of London’s arts scene.
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) – Glasgow
This is one of the best drama schools outside of London. RCS offers a very strong acting course, plus degrees in musical theatre, performance, and even puppetry. It’s in Glasgow, which has a thriving theatre scene (seriously, go see something at the Tron Theatre if you visit). RCS puts a big focus on individuality and helping each actor find their own style. That’s refreshing when other places sometimes try to shape you a certain way. Past students include James McAvoy and Richard Madden (yes, Robb Stark from Game of Thrones).
Courses: BA Acting, BA Musical Theatre, and more.
Quick tip: Living in Glasgow is cheaper than London, which means less stress about rent and more focus on your craft.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
This place is legendary. It’s linked with the Bristol Old Vic — one of the oldest working theatres in the English-speaking world — and their training is very practical. Students spend a lot of time performing and working in real productions. It’s a busy, intense place, but it gives you a taste of what the job is really like. Alumni? Olivia Colman, Naomie Harris, and Sir Patrick Stewart, to name a few.
Courses: BA Professional Acting, design, and technical theatre options too.
Why it’s cool: Smaller class sizes mean more personal attention.
Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD)—Cardiff
If you want excellent training without the London chaos, Royal Welsh is a strong choice. It’s based in Cardiff and has grown a lot in reputation over the last two decades. Acting students get a broad range of training—everything from classical theatre to modern screen work. And they perform in front of live audiences a lot, especially during the final year shows, which are open to agents and producers. Graduates include Anthony Hopkins (again—he really got around), Eve Myles, and Kimberley Nixon.
Courses: BA Acting, MA in Musical Theatre, and others.
Vibe: Friendly, grounded, and very focused on employability.
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts—London
Mountview has a great reputation, especially for musical theatre. It’s more recent than some others, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less serious. Students here are known for being hard-working and ready for anything. The atmosphere is often described as warm and community-focused, which can really help during stressful times (and trust me, drama school will get stressful). Their new campus in Peckham is purpose-built, with top-notch studios and theatres.
Courses: BA Acting, BA Musical Theatre, foundation courses, directing programmes.
Nice touch: Industry showcases at the end of training often lead straight to agency signings.
ArtsEd – London
ArtsEd is well-known for combining strong academic training with top-level performance work. It’s another school where musical theatre is a big strength, but their acting program is equally respected. The teachers are often working professionals, so the training stays current. Students say it feels like a family — intense, yes, but very supportive. Alumni include Julie Andrews, Will Young, and Lashana Lynch.
Courses: BA Acting, BA Musical Theatre, foundation year options.
Thing to keep in mind: The atmosphere here is very high-energy. Great if you’re someone who feeds off that kind of buzz.
Drama Centre London (Now closed, but worth mentioning)
It might seem odd to include a school that shut down in 2020, but Drama Centre had a big influence on UK training styles. Many of its teachers moved to other schools, and its alumni include Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and Michael Fassbender. If you’re researching, you’ll see the Drama Centre mentioned a lot in older interviews or actor bios. It left a mark.
Final Thoughts
Look — drama school isn’t the only way into acting, but for a lot of people, it gives structure, support, and solid skills. These schools can open doors, help you grow as a performer, and give you mates who’ll stick with you for life. Don’t worry too much about picking the perfect school. Visit a few, if you can. Go to their open days, talk to current students, and trust your gut. Some schools feel right the minute you walk in. Others?
Not so much — and that’s fine. What matters most is finding somewhere you can be challenged, supported, and happy. Acting’s a tough road, but if you’re passionate and ready to work hard, one of these schools might just be your home. And hey — if it doesn’t work out the first time you apply? That’s totally normal. Loads of great actors didn’t get in on the first try. Keep going.
