LAMDA

The programme is taught by a team of highly experienced specialist tutors, all having trained at leading drama schools and conservatoires. Teaching is thoughtful, encouraging and carefully tailored to the needs of each pupil. Tutors place equal emphasis on technical skill, personal development and enjoyment of the learning process. We are proud of the consistently strong outcomes achieved by our pupils, with an excellent overall pass rate and the majority of candidates gaining High Merit and Distinction results.

Lessons take place over 30 weeks of the academic year, with the precise number of sessions per term determined by the school’s term dates. Tuition is charged on a termly basis and pupils receive a weekly 30-minute lesson.

In Years 7 to 9, lessons operate on a rotational timetable and may involve pupils being withdrawn from academic lessons, in line with the school’s peripatetic music provision. From Year 10 onwards, sessions are scheduled before school, during lunchtime or after school, while Sixth Form pupils may also be offered lessons during a free period. Subject to availability, pupils may join the LAMDA programme at the start of a new term. When capacity is reached, a waiting list is in place, and a full term’s notice is required should a pupil wish to discontinue lessons.

Pupils are able to work across a range of LAMDA pathways:

• • Acting: Focuses on developing vocal, physical and interpretive skills through the study of dramatic texts, while encouraging an understanding of character, context and style.

• Shakespeare: Offers pupils the opportunity to engage deeply with Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets, building confidence in language, rhythm and performance technique.
• Musical Theatre: Combines acting, singing and movement, making it an ideal pathway for pupils who enjoy working across disciplines. Lessons focus on storytelling, characterisation and stage presence, while supporting vocal confidence and performance skills.
• Speaking Verse and Prose: Allows pupils to explore poetry and prose in depth, developing expressive speaking skills and supporting wider English studies.
• Reading for Performance: Centres on bringing texts to life for an audience. Pupils learn how to select, link and interpret material to create engaging recitals.
• Speaking in Public: Supports pupils in becoming confident, articulate communicators, developing skills in research, speech writing and audience engagement and delivering presentations with clarity and assurance.

An in-school LAMDA examination session is held each Spring, towards the end of the Lent term. This ensures that examinations take place ahead of GCSE and A-level assessments. Where a pupil is not yet ready to take an examination during this session, alternative arrangements may be considered, including entry for one of LAMDA’s Public Centre Sessions held throughout the year.

Performance opportunities form an important part of the programme. Each year, pupils also have the opportunity to take part in our Performance Evening. This well established and much enjoyed event allows pupils to share their work with an invited audience of family and friends and celebrates the progress made across our performance pathways.

For any enquiries regarding LAMDA please contact our Head of LAMDA – Mr Sam Aires.