NotaPushyMum.Com

Hi,
A friend is moving to the UK from abroad and was wondering about full time drama schools for her son. I could only think of two (Sylvia Young & redroofs). What are some others across the country as she's quite flexible re the location. Needs to be age 10 plus. thanks

The Hammond in Chester is perhaps one to consider - entry is by audition for years 7-10/11 and they enter on either a drama, music or dance strand. There are boarding houses if parents live too far for a daily commute. They also have a preparatory school for up to and including year 6 - for which they look for performing arts potential but there is no formal audition - I think they spend a taster day there so you can see if it is the right school for your child.

Tring Park is also another to consider with young year entry.

There is also Italia Conti and Suzie Earnshaw that i can think of. Redroofs and Sylvia Young have host homes if you live too far away to travel daily and Tring Park has boarding. Not sure about the others though.

A lot of the schools mentioned , Sylvia Young, Italia Conti, Redroofs, Tring Park, Arts Ed, Suzi Earnsgaw etc are all round stage schools. Children audition in all three disciplines if singing, dance & drama though naturally often gave a strength in a particular area.

Hammond on the other hand have two separate courses Dance (based around classical ballet but including other styles) & Drama. Drama students get one general dance class per week & vice versa.

thank you very much everyone, I will pass it on. Seems like most of them are London based which is what I thought must be the case

There is a lot of information on www.dramauk.co.uk

A lot of it is to do with training for older students - but there is information there about courses for younger students too. Might be worth forwarding the link for your friend to browse through?

Barbara Speake is another one..based in London x

Anyone with experience or views on Barbara Speake? I'm still researching for future but this is one I can't find any personal views on it as a school, or for their agency.