Boarding School with strong drama

[HKMum2]

We live in Hong Kong and my DD is asking to go to the UK and board, she wants to 'further her drama'. She's regularly on stage in Hong Kong having performed as Brigitta in Andrew Lloyd Webber's touring production of Sound of Music, has played many leads such as Little Red, Jemima in Chitty Chitty and is about to play Eliza Dolittle.
Sylvia Young and Italia Conti don't do boarding if i understand correctly so am looking for an academic school with very strong drama facilities and contacts. Google can only provide so much so would love to hear from other Mummy's, thank you!

I reckon Bedales is a good bet from what I've heard...

Horne - I've been looking at Tring as my dd wants to apply for 6th form & their results seem excellent to me in terms of grades achieved.

However they may have a lower overall average points score as not everyone does 3 A levels. Those on the dance course who are studying for the Level 6 diploma may opt to study one or two A levels or none at all alongside the diploma.

Those on the drama course do a Btec which is equivalent to 1 A levels plus 2 further A levels.

At Tring for A level

A* - 13.9%
A* - A - 32.8%
A* - B -56.2%
A - C - 81.8

AlexanderHAmilton the results at Tring don't compare with the others mentioned - not on the basis of average points but actual grades. We actively discouraged DD from Tring for that reason (and because, as others have said, it is particularly dance heavy which is not her best skill)

I also agree that the A-level results from Tring are excellent considering it is a vocational school. If you compare the subjects on offer at A-level they are able to provide a full spectrum of subjects and are very conscious the need to have a sound education as a backup plan. In fact, my sister didn't get into Tring Park as she wasn't academic enough!!!!

If the academic / education side is the most important aspect of the school then I wouldn't go to Sylvia Young. They are undoubtedly the best school for the vocational stuff but having visited with my daughter, it was all about the "Fame" side of the school with the academics more of a necessity. That's not to say some kids don't do well there, it's just more about singing, dancing and jazz handing your way through your teenage years. The students I met when I have visited have talent in abundance but they weren't the most grounded individuals.....

Hurtwood
www.hurtwoodhouse.com/academic/exam-results/

Bedales
www.bedales.org.uk/news/highest-grades-bedales-level-students

Frensham Heights 40% odd A*-A in 2015 (last ones I can find)

Sylvia Young has no 16+ school either. I agree there is a certain "type" there

A school that is academically selective is always going to get better results than one that isn't & where a percentage of the day is devoted to vocational studies. Also very small cohorts can skew the figures.

My dd is doing very well at her school. Top set children are pushed to achieve academically whilst lower set children are not written off.

Bedales (Legat) does look excellent. Not one I'm considering as its way, way out of our price range but if money is no object it's one to consider.

alexanderhamiltin having just been through the process I can assure you none of the schools I mention are especially academically selective (which was a bonus for my DD!!). They do say you need to have at least a B in a relevant/matching GCSE to do the A level which is pretty standard for all 6th forms both state and private. What they were most interested in was character, enthusiasm and in one case experience e.g. Dance exams, drama grades etc. DD was offered places at all of them and she ain't no academic ;)

But if you want academics then why would you choose to go to a theatre school.

Many theatre schools turn out decent academics.
Why wouldn't they?

Because whilst the student' eyes are full of stars and showbiz, parents are well aware of the number of baristas in Starbucks who are unemployed actors! So the aim is to get the best of both worlds so the maximum number of doors are left open.

Well, that's our approach anyway

mouldycheese not all do A levels and personally I believe if a student is capable A levels keep more options open than vocational qualifications which may make alternative pathways in higher ed more difficult if it transpires that a) the student isn't actually good enough to make a living in performing arts and/or b) is injured or becomes disillusioned

Well yes if you want to a levels you need to go to a school that does them. Lots of schools don't have sixth forms. Doesn't mean that they are not academic. You can do a levels at any age any time. Some may do them as well as theatrical training some may not some may do them later or never. Each to their own.

I would look at Queenswood School near Potters Bar in Herts. Consistently high achieving in drama and girls have gone on to various drama schools, e.g. Guildhall. Also I do know a girl who had major TV roles whilst there. I would contact them. Academics pretty strong and Drama is taken very seriously. There are Drama Scholars. Obviously if you want musical theatre and dance, look at Tring. It is boarding!

Yes there are a lot of schools that concentrate on academics with some drama and MT but they are not theatre schools with agencies that send the students out to work.
Some children are not in the least bit academic so A levels are never going to be on the cards.

I know several actresses. None of them you would know but all make a living, pay a mortgage, look after their children. Just because you are not in a Hollywood movie doesn't mean you cant make a living

oliversmum I did say "if capable of A levels". I'm delighted your friends have made a career of it. That doesn't take away from the fact that the vast majority of MT and Drama students at best face uncertainty and at worst guaranteed unemployment.

I'm possibly too much of a cynical realist to be the parent of a performer. I try hard to not be a crusher of dreams!

Bryanston

The problem trying to claim GCSE standards aren't great in Theatre schools you are not comparing like with like given theatre schools only do 1/2 the week academic.

I wouldn't go to Sylvia Young. They are undoubtedly the best school for the vocational stuff

But if you are looking at Theatre Schools then why wouldn't you go to the best.

It is like saying my dc wants to be an accountant. But I wouldn't go to XXX school because whilst it was the best for maths and business studies it was too concentrated on getting the children into working for a top accountancy firm and not everyone can work for them so it isn't realistic so they need a back up plan.

oliversmum The point is that if the OP wants something that is academic a performing arts school isn't going to be a good choice for them. Yes they do well considering they only spend half the week on academic subject, however when they are looking to get into university, or get a job, the fact these students only spend half their time on academics is of no relevance to them. They expect a certain standard and if it isn't there they won't get the opportunity.

Also, I too have a couple of my friends who make a living from acting. They are in adverts, do voiceover work, backing singers etc. They live by the seat of their pants when doing only acting. Most have a regular job that is PT which pays the bills and their acting work is extra (well paid when the work is there) or a DH who earns enough that their irregular income isn't an issue.

That is why the OP should look at Queenswood. Boarding, girls from China, recognised by the Good Schools Guide for Drama. Good results and lots of options if not making it to RADA or similar. Keeps options completely open.

Actually the op was looking at SY and IC and only dismissed them because she thought they didn't do boarding.

SYTS does offer boarding.
OP should contact the admissions department for further information.