State or private secondary schools with excellent drama provision - West+ London

[WestLondonmumfromtheNorth]

Just that really. Looking for suggestions for secondary schools that have a good reputation for drama. Preferably in West (as far as Ealing) South West (Richmond and Twickenham not Wimbledon or Clapham) or Central London. We can move house within these areas for a great state school as we are thinking of upsizing at somepoint.

Eldest DD is in year 4 so need to get act together (tutor) if we are going to look at selective private schools. DD is currently at a fantastic state school. She enjoys all subjects and is working at greater dept so should be able to cope with 11+ process and apply to some of the academically selective schools.

Saturdays she has music lessons/wind band which she wants to continue with. Hence we need a school that is strong on drama as either a core subject or after school.

She currently says she wants to be an actress (she’s 9 so imagine that will change) but we are not interested in Arts Ed or Brit school at this age. She also loves sport (tennis, cricket and hockey) but we can access these locally after school (as long as the commute to and from new school isn’t eating into too much time each day). DH also insists on a school that is strong at STEM, as DH comes from a long line of medics so this may emerge as her thing when she is older.

Any suggestions would be great (girls only or co-ed). She would also be eligible for admission to a state Catholic school.

Some suggestions for state from friends in Chiswick have been Sacred Heart High, Chiswick school, West London Free and Twyford in Acton (last 2 have music places apparently) and from friends in Twickenham, Richard Reynolds, Waldegrave and Orleans schools. But this is about them being good schools and not necessarily about their drama provision.

No real recommendations for drama at private schools as people who have children there tell me they are fantastic at everything (SPGS, G&L, LU) but their children aren’t particularly interested in drama so they don’t really know.

Don’t want this thread to become a state vs private debate as just looking for recommendations of great schools with great drama at this stage.

Finally, if anyone knows of a great stand alone after school (not weekend) drama club anywhere in London I’d also be keen to hear about it, as this could be an option to plug the gap (a drama based one not MT like Stagecoach or Perform).

Thanks in advance

Sylvia Young school, weekend acting or summer camp.
Lyric Hammersmith has theatre camps.
Check if future schools drama clashes with sport fixtures. In secondary schools it seems you have to focus on one over the other, depending on sport.
National Youth Theatre, for 14 years old via audition.
Ask schools, if any kids acting outside schools hours are supported.

Thanks for this. I’d heard of Sylvia Young but thought it was only a full time school. The part time offerings look great.

Queenswood!!!! Not quite the bit of London you are after but they have a lot of day girls from north London. Others use the weekly and flexi boarding options.

I have two children who have worked professionally- both have drama scholarships there. One is very sporty and academic (STEM) and the other all about the creative subjects.

The drama provision and dance is superb.

Try Chiswick Theatre Arts for weekday and weekend drama classes. They offer LAMDA as well.

SPGS is worth a look, strong drama academically (look at GCSE and A level results) and many different types and formats of productions with opportunities to direct, design, play instruments, dance etc as well as act. All GCSE and A level students go to the theatre in London several times a term, as a compulsory part of their drama course.

It is entirely possible to combine school drama with high level outside school commitments (with some juggling). The school is also very strong and inclusive for music.

They do send girls to drama school, music conservatoires etc, as well as universities.

Thanks. I will have a look… it would be easy to get to, although am aware it is very hard to get a place.

Looks amazing. I’d like to go there myself. In-laws would be delighted if we moved to St John’s Wood for the bus service (me less so … 🫢)

Not the area you asked for, but Glenthorne in Sutton has a performing arts admissions stream.

LEH ? might be worth looking into. (Coach routes all over West London)
They do joint productions with next door Hampton in Hampton's very professional Hammond Theatre.
https://www.thehammondtheatre.co.uk/
Saw a production a couple of months ago. Very impressive.

I am also TERRIBLY jealous that they get to go to Queenswood. I don’t have a single bad word to say about it. It can meet the needs of the most academic and those with mild SEN. England level athletes and sportswomen or just like doing it for fun. Born to be on the stage or just like taking part.

They have a door to door transport service with girls coming from all over - so long as it’s within an hour drive from the school including other pickups on the route. We live 25 miles away. You don’t need to be in St John’s Wood 😂😂😂

Lots of girls come from Islington, Hampstead, Mill Hill etc as well as all over Herts.

Coombe Girls in New Malden had an excellent drama department when we were looking, but that was 10+ years ago, I don't know if anyone has more up to date feedback?

Not the area you interested but Emanuel school have a drama scholarship route with students going to RADA etc. Someone mentioned Stranger Things actor, Quinn is a graduate and current students in BBC and Netflix shows.

I would start by going on open days and specifically asking about the drama programmes. Then perhaps applying for a drama scholarship in a GDST, LU or Emanuel. I know there are kids acting professionally in Emanuel.

You can start going on open days in Year 5 or end of Year 4. And take your DD with you.

Not in London but accessible from London (30 minutes on the train from Clapham Junction) and also offering Flexi boarding or boarding - Woldingham School. Lovely school and very strong art, music and drama departments.

Wow, what amazing facilities for a state school. I’d feel like one of the kids from Fame (showing my age here).

I’ve heard good things about both Coombe Girls and Glenthorne (though more on the dance than the drama side, for Glenthorne).

When considering some academic private schools for their Drama provisions, do check out the school website how many A level or GCSE subjects students take out for Drama. Some school seems to be inclusive but in the end not many students take the subject and not even part of the subject list.

I agree with your friend’s suggestion of Chiswick - their drama department is great as is their music provision! I’ve always know Twyford is big on music but I don’t know much about their drama department. Have you looked at St Marylebone? It’s C of E but they do offer music, dance and drama aptitude places.

>Twickenham, Richard Reynolds, Waldegrave and Orleans

Richard Reynolds- mainly Catholic themed plays
Waldergrave and Orleans are not schools focused in any particular way on drama but just as any other school.

Queens Park Community School is great for drama and arts in general.