Performing arts provision in London

[MN164]

I'd be interested in the list of schools in North, Central and West London that people feel has a particularly strong drama department. Every school I've seen has decent drama in the school curriculum, but which ones have the most opportunities to participate and perhaps also "excel"?

Have you had a look on notapushymum.com? Loads of posters on there with dc's who do drama/dance/musical theatre, and a lot have professional work & agents as well (TV & film etc).

There are bound to be some who are London-based and could help.

Alleyn's has a fantastically well-resourced drama department - there are lots of opportunities for all year groups to get involved and the standard is exceptionally high, but may not be quite central enough for you?

BRIT school?

Brit and Alleyns would be worth a good look but are too hard to get to for us. Thanks.

If you can't find a school that offers everything you're looking for, this could be a good alternative in north London.

Arts Ed, Italia Conti are fee paying as Tring & Redroofs but they are 'out' of London

this is supposed to be good too

The Arts Educational School in Chiswick?

Can you search for schools offering drama/performing arts scholarships? That would give you some indication of how committed a school is to its drama productions (try the Good Schools Guide). Even some state schools in and around London offer 'performing arts scholarships' I believe.

Thanks for the many suggestions. However, the locations of most are too far from N/Central/W for us. Also, I'm not look for an out and our drama school (e.g. Italia Conti), but a "normal" school with great drama.

Good idea on the "scholarships" and "specialities" front.

I did some digging and these seem to push drama to the front of their offering (inc. scholarships etc).

I know about these schools generally, but not heard about their drama provision specifically. I also wonder which others are out there with a decent drama budget.

Emanuel
City of London Girls
Forest
Highgate Wood
St Marylebone
North Bridge House
Mill Hill School
Godolphin & Latymer

Have you ruled out Latymer Upper MN? I know they don't offer drama scholarships before 16+ and couldn't tell you first hand about the drama provision but I hear from existing parents that it is pretty strong?

Not ruled out at all and will add to my list. Thanks.

Join a really good Youth Theatre run by the Lyric Hammersmith, or The Roundhouse or ArtsDepot, for example. Usually better for performance experience and skills than school drama.

this thread on NaPM has some interesting thoughts on high school drama

You might also look at the Centre for Advanced Training scheme run by a group of specialist Institutions in Central and East London, including the Laban and the National Centre for Circus Arts. I don't know if it still running but the aim was to allow promising performers to pick up a range of skills as an alternative to attending a dance/drama school. All outside school, obviously, but any high level performance training is likely to be outside school.

As can Sat/sun associates for an older child(14+ for some)

Places like Urdang, London Studio Centre, IC do weekend (& sometimes evening associates)
Plus places like Stinson Stage Academy who appear to be changing their name

There seems to be quite a lot of info on the websites of the schools you've listed; a quick search reveals that Emanuel School Drama Department has its own twitter account with nearly a thousand tweets and City of London Girls stage a musical with the boys' school every year. You could also perhaps look at online editions of last year's school magazine and diary/calendar - any productions will be listed in the school diary.

A bit late to the party but do check out www.izully.com for local performing arts classes for kids in North and East London.