The ultimate guide to best acting schools in the UK

Introduction

If you’re passionate about performing arts and dream of becoming a successful actor, the United Kingdom is the perfect place to begin your journey. Home to a rich theatrical tradition and a thriving entertainment industry, the UK offers some of the best acting schools, renowned for producing globally acclaimed talent.

Why the UK Is the Ideal Destination for Aspiring Actors

If you dream of becoming a versatile and successful actor, the United Kingdom stands out as one of the best places to pursue your craft. With its deep-rooted theatrical tradition and a dynamic entertainment industry, the UK offers unmatched opportunities for aspiring performers.

London’s West End—often called the theatre capital of the world—is a major attraction for actors. Iconic institutions like the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company provide performers with the opportunity to work on prestigious stages and collaborate with top industry professionals.

In addition to its vibrant theatre scene, the UK is home to world-renowned drama schools that offer rigorous training and foster creative talent. These schools have consistently shaped some of the most celebrated actors in film, television, and stage.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best acting schools in the UK that continue to shape the future stars of the entertainment world.

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Best Acting Schools in the UK 2025

Check out these best acting schools in the UK and their notable alumni for added inspiration. 

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30 Best Acting Schools in the World 

We’ve compiled some of the best acting schools in the world to help you choose the ideal place to begin your journey. Whether you’re drawn to stage, film, or television, these institutions offer top-tier training and global recognition.

1. Juilliard School – New York, USA
2. The Old Globe and the University of San Diego – California, USA
3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – California, USA
4. Carnegie Mellon School of Drama – Pennsylvania, USA
5. Central School of Speech and Drama – London, UK
6. DePaul University School of Theatre, Film, and Television – Illinois, USA
7. Guildhall School of Music & Drama – London, UK
8. Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts – London, UK
9. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) – London, UK
10. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts – London, UK
11. National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) – Sydney, Australia
12. Oxford School of Drama – Oxfordshire, UK
13. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) – London, UK
14. Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – Glasgow, Scotland
15. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) – Cardiff, Wales
16. Pace University: The Actors Studio – New York, USA
17. NYU Tisch School of the Arts – New York, USA
18. UCLA: School of Theatre, Film and Television – California, USA
19. USC School of Dramatic Arts – California, USA
20. David Geffen School of Drama at Yale – Connecticut, USA
21. University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) – North Carolina, USA
22. University of California, Irvine (Claire Trevor School of the Arts) – California, USA
23. Brown University: Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS) – Rhode Island, USA
24. Case Western Reserve University – Ohio, USA
25. Columbia University School of the Arts – New York, USA
26. University of Michigan – School of Music, Theatre & Dance – Michigan, USA
27. Northwestern University – School of Communication – Illinois, USA
28. Boston University – College of Fine Arts – Massachusetts, USA
29. Florida State University – School of Theatre – Florida, USA
30. University of Toronto – Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies – Ontario, Canada

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Key Takeaways

• The UK offers some of the most renowned acting courses, attracting aspiring performers from across the globe.
• Renowned institutions such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and the Oxford School of Drama are consistently ranked among the best drama schools UK, each known for their unique training approaches and notable alumni.
• Graduating from one of the best acting schools in the UK can open doors in the entertainment industry, as seen in the successful careers of alumni such as Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ralph Fiennes, Sally Hawkins, Hayley Atwell, and Hugh Grant.

Getting into the best acting schools in the UK takes dedication, talent, and the right guidance. If you need support with your study abroad journey, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way. Feel free to connect with us for personalized assistance.

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FAQs

Question 1. Are there beginner-friendly acting classes in London?
Answer. Yes, many acting classes in London cater to beginners. Schools like The Actors Centre and City Lit offer flexible programs for those new to acting.

Question 2. What are the most prestigious drama schools in England?
Answer. Some of the most prestigious drama schools in England include the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Question 3. Are there flexible acting classes in London, UK, for beginners?
Answer. Yes, many acting classes in London cater to both beginners and professionals. Studios like Method Acting London, The Actors Centre, and City Lit offer flexible weekday, weekend, and evening classes.

Question 4. How do I apply for acting courses in the UK?
Answer. To apply for acting courses in the UK, you usually need to submit an application, attend an audition, and provide proof of English proficiency (a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each section). Requirements may vary by institution.

Question 5. Which are the top-rated drama schools in London, UK?
Answer. The top-rated drama schools in London, UK, include RADA, LAMDA, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. These institutions are renowned for their high-quality training and distinguished alumni.

Question 6. Which acting school in the UK is the hardest to get into?
Answer. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London is often regarded as the most competitive acting school in the UK. Its highly selective admission process and a low student-to-teacher ratio of 1:3 ensure focused, high-quality training for aspiring actors.

Question 7. What are the admission requirements for top drama schools in the UK?
Answer. To apply for leading drama schools in the UK, you generally need a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each band—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—along with audition performances and possibly an interview.

Question 8. What is the typical salary for theatre actors in the UK?
Answer. UK theatre actors typically earn around £1,104 for a one-night performance. For a two-night show, this can increase to approximately £1,922, depending on the production and venue.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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