The odds of getting into Drama School are so slim, they make Oxbridge look easy! Nationwide the success rate is between 1% and 5% and most schools would be delighted if just one of their students secured a place. In 2025, Hurtwood students received a breathtaking 34 offers which represents more than a 50% success rate. Our students are off to Central, GSA (Guildford School of Acting), Urdang, Mountview and Millenium to name but a few. Others are heading across the pond to NYU Tisch one of America’s top Drama Schools.
With Hurtwood’s bespoke Drama School Preparation Programme every effort is made to help students realise their potential. Pippa, one of our successful candidates remarked “Hurtwood provided me with incredible support and guidance when I wanted to follow my dreams. With the help of Doug Quinn, Nick Larkin and Andy Johnson, I was able to gain a place studying Musical Theatre at GSA. Their dedication and expertise made the journey not only achievable but deeply rewarding”. Freya, who is about to embark on a BA in Musical Theatre at Emil Dale was thrilled to receive her place which was the culmination of lots of hard work. Applying for Drama School is not for the faint hearted. She stated that the entire process was so long and in depth that sometimes she felt it was like studying a fourth A Level. She explained that she needed two monologues (she chose one Shakespeare and one contemporary) and her teacher Andy spent an immense amount of time with her choosing the most suitable pieces and helping her with her audition and interview technique. It was very much a team effort and Freya was given help by many other members of the Hurtwood Performing Arts Department such as Nick Larkin with her singing and Lottie Davis with her dancing. She was blown away by the whole “incredible” team. Martina who is off to GSA on the BA Musical Theatre course agreed stated “Hurtwood has been a phenomenal experience and everyone was so supportive. I am so grateful for the hours and hours that the team spent with me helping me every step of the way’.
2025 has been one of the best years we have ever had at Hurtwood in terms of Drama School success, but it is by no means unique. We have been helping students get into Drama School and launch their acting careers for many years. One glance at our Drama Honours Board outside the theatre or our Hall of Fame on our website reflects this. Previous names are now becoming major stars of screen and stage. Look no further than Harry Lawtey (Drama Centre) who wows in ‘Mr Burton’ and ‘Industry’ or Viveik Kalra (Royal Welsh) star of ‘Blinded by the Light’ and ‘Lift’. The list of on-screen talent is endless but make sure you don’t miss Jess Madsen (Guildhall) in ‘Bridgerton’ and Olivia Morris (Royal Welsh) in ‘RRR’ and ’Hotel Portofino’. As if that wasn’t enough, the West End’s top productions from ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Book of Mormon’, ‘Hairspray’ and ‘Mamma Mia’ have been littered with Hurtwood alumni – the new Disney Extravaganza ‘Hercules’ at Theatre Royal Drury Lane stars Luke Brady (RADA) in the title role.
Congratulations to all our future stars - we wish them good luck as they join their different Drama schools in the coming weeks.
