Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Laurence Olivier, Phoebe Waller-Bridge: The UK has an incredible history when it comes to theatre, with its writers and actors renowned throughout the world. But if you're looking to study acting here, how do you know which acting schools are worth your time and money? To compile this list of the best drama schools in the UK, we’ve considered reputation, official accreditation, online reviews, and how successful students have been in their careers.
All of the schools listed here are members of the Federation of Drama Schools (FDS), meaning they “have a demonstrable track record of producing graduates with long-term careers” and offer “professional training with recognisable identity and value”.
UK acting schools all have different procedures and practices when it comes to auditions, so make sure you read up before applying. As a general rule, though, admissions can be split into selective courses, like degree courses, and shorter courses where anyone can attend as long as there are spaces left. For some courses, you’ll be asked to audition, which will involve learning monologues. This will be your chance to shine.
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- Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London
- London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
- Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), Glasgow
- Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Bristol
- Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD), Cardiff
- Manchester School of Theatre
- Oxford School of Drama
- East 15 Acting School, Essex
- Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
RADA is one of the oldest and most prestigious of all drama and acting schools in the UK, and, in terms of the success of its students, it’s one of the best acting schools in the world.
Having existed for over a hundred years, RADA has built up some impressive facilities, including four on-site theatres, a cinema, a renowned library, a scenic art workshop, and sound, wood and metal workshops.
RADA is known for its rigorous training programmes and industry recognition. It was awarded a gold rating for teaching excellence.
Specialisation: Vocational training for actors, stage managers, designers, and technical stagecraft specialists
Notable alumni: Alan Rickman, Kenneth Branagh, Vivien Leigh, Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Admission criteria: Prospective students need to display talent, potential, and the willingness to explore and realise the fullest extent of that potential. They’ll also be checking your application for evidence that you have the “intellectual and emotional capacity” to meet the challenges of studying with RADA.
Bear in mind that because it’s one of the best British acting schools, places at RADA are in extremely high demand. One way to stand out is to get acting experience before you apply. Admissions criteria vary from course to course, so check the website to get details about the training you’re interested in.
LAMDA is internationally renowned for delivering world-class drama training. Established in 1861, it’s one of the oldest drama schools in the UK.
LAMDA has state-of-the-art facilities, including the Sainsbury Theatre, the Carne Studio Theatre, and extensive rehearsal spaces. It offers rigorous and comprehensive training in both classical and contemporary acting, ensuring students are well-prepared for diverse roles in theatre, film, and television.
Specialisation: Classical and contemporary acting, stage management, technical theatre.
Notable alumni: Benedict Cumberbatch, David Oyelowo, Ruth Wilson, Sam Claflin.
Admission criteria: Decisions are made on the basis of an applicant’s ability to benefit from the course, make a positive contribution to LAMDA, and make a positive contribution to the profession as a graduate.
The school puts an emphasis on ensemble work and seeks pupils able to collaborate and those “with emotional and intellectual engagement with the wider world.”
Established in 1880, Guildhall has a rich history of producing talented performers. Like RADA, the school is located in central London, near the Barbican, providing students with access to the industry's top theatres and performance venues.
Guildhall was ranked number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2025. It was classed as one of the top five institutions in the world for music and for performing arts in the QS World University Rankings 2024, as well as the number one higher-education institution in the Guardian University Guide league table for music (it came eighth in the country for drama).
Specialisation: Acting, technical theatre arts, opera, music.
Notable alumni: Ewan McGregor, Daniel Craig, Orlando Bloom, Michaela Coel.
Admission criteria: Guildhall provides advice on what to prepare for each stage of the audition process. It assesses both attainment and potential during auditions, so you can get in on merit alone if you don’t have previous experience. There’s no limit to the amount of times you can apply, so don’t give up if you’re not successful the first time.
Founded in 1847, and previously known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the RCS is ranked sixth among universities worldwide for the performing arts in the QS World Rankings 2024.
It has almost 100 practice rooms and rehearsal studios across its two buildings in Glasgow, in addition to recording studios and a world-standard library. The Renfrew Street campus alone has five professional performance venues, including The New Athenaeum Theatre and Stevenson Hall.
Specialisation: Acting, musical theatre, production arts, film.
Notable alumni: James McAvoy, Robert Carlyle, Alan Cumming, Crystal Clarke.
Admission criteria: RCS seeks applicants with experience performing under pressure, so being confident and relaxed in auditions is vital.
RCS provides information on admissions to their undergraduate, post-graduate and research programmes.
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has been delivering outstanding acting training since 1946.
The school has three sites with rehearsal and music studios, scenery and props workshops, a script library and an armoury, so you can really hone those stage combat skills. Students perform at venues throughout the city, including the esteemed Bristol Old Vic Theatre.
BOVTS has its degree-level courses validated by the University of the West of England (UWE), ensuring that standards are high and meet the relevant external benchmarks.
Specialisation: Acting, production, and stage management.
Notable alumni: Olivia Colman, Jeremy Irons, Patrick Stewart, Daniel Day-Lewis.
Admission criteria: The school looks for originality, passion, and a strong sense of individuality in its students. Every applicant is seen for an audition, regardless of academic background or experience.
The RWCMD is Wales’s leading acting school. It was ranked 10th in the UK for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2024 league table.
The college hosts hundreds of public performances every year including orchestral concerts, recitals, drama, opera, and musical theatre. It also collaborates with the BBC, Welsh National Opera, and other leading arts organisations, meaning its students get access to a wide range of industry contacts.
The College has numerous theatres, including the Grade II listed Anthony Hopkins Centre, Bute Theatre, and The Caird. It also has workshops for timber and metalworking, dedicated areas for sculpting and painting, and many rehearsal spaces.
Specialisation: Acting, design for performance, technical theatre, musical theatre.
Notable alumni: Anthony Hopkins, Rob Brydon, Ruth Jones, Kimberley Nixon.
Admission criteria: RWCMD values the ability to inhabit a character, a willingness to take risks, and generosity in working with others.
Part of Manchester Metropolitan University, the school has partnerships with Manchester-based arts organisations including the Hallé Orchestra, RNCM, HOME, and Chetham’s School of Music. Being a part of Manchester Metropolitan University means it also gets access to the university’s wider facilities.
The School of Theatre’s main location, the Grosvenor East Building, features movement and performance studios, TV and radio studios, and a 180-seat theatre.
The school was awarded a gold rating for teaching excellence in the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).
Specialisation: Acting, contemporary performance practice.
Notable alumni: Julie Walters, Richard Griffiths, David Threlfall, Amanda Burton.
Admission criteria: The school is looking for passion, imagination, empathy, curiosity, and wonder.
Known for its small class sizes and personalised approach, the Oxford School of Drama is located in a large former farm complex a 30-minute bus ride from central Oxford.
Don’t be put off by the commute: the buildings are newly renovated inside, and they house six rehearsal spaces. This is plenty when you consider that the school accepts fewer than 100 students per year. With small intakes – and no more than 19 students per class – you’ll get more one-on-one time with teachers and more space to focus on your development.
The school is accredited by the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT), and despite its small size, it punches above its weight, mounting numerous productions in Oxford and at major London theatres. As a small, independent college, it isn’t considered alongside universities in ratings like the Guardian University Guide, but the success of many of its former students acts as a strong recommendation.
Specialisation: Acting, short and long courses in performance.
Notable alumni: Claire Foy, Christina Cole, Annabel Scholey, Babou Ceesay.
Admission criteria: Oxford School of Drama seeks students with natural talent, creativity, and the ability to work intensively. There are no academic requirements, and entry is by audition only.
Established in 1961 and now a part of University of Essex, East 15 offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in acting, directing, and technical theatre. The school's curriculum combines traditional techniques with contemporary practices.
As East 15 is affiliated with the University of Essex, it enjoys excellent facilities including around 20 rehearsal spaces, a radio and a dance studio, a screening room, a video editing suite, an extensive costume department, and the Corbett Theatre. It also has its own paint shop and prop shop.
The University of Essex was ranked fourth in the UK for drama in the Guardian University Guide 2024.
Specialisation: Acting, stage combat, physical theatre, and community theatre.
Notable alumni: Alison Steadman, Marc Warren, Vicki Pepperdine, Ruth Sheen.
Admission criteria: East 15 looks for passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks in performance.
Founded in 1996 by former Beatle Paul McCartney on the premises of his former school, LIPA takes a project-based, practical approach to learning. This is complemented by entrepreneurial training and its connections across the industry.
Facilities at the institute include the 350-seat Paul McCartney Auditorium; a studio theatre; film, TV, and dance studios; practice rooms; and rehearsal and performance spaces. There is also a scenic workshop and a costume and wardrobe department.
The institute is highly respected across the UK and internationally, not least because of the successes of its theatre and music alumni. These include two Academy Awards nominees and numerous winners of Olivier Awards and BAFTAs.
LIPA is also accredited by CDMT, ensuring the provision of high-quality professional training.
Specialisation: Acting, music, dance, theatre, and performance technology.
Notable alumni: Leanne Best, Dawn O’Porter, Gabrielle Brooks, Peter Caulfield.
Admission criteria: LIPA seeks candidates who demonstrate strong acting skills, creativity, and a collaborative mindset. It looks for students who show passion, skills, and experience in their auditions.