We prefer all A Level students to have taken GCSE Drama because you will have experienced and developed the skills in performing, in devising and in studying texts that are needed for A Level. However, it is possible to do this course without having previously taken the subject at GCSE, and we have several examples of students who have achieved very highly at A Level for whom this was the case. You MUST be able to demonstrate considerable performance experience and commitment in co-curricular Drama either inside or outside school and you should be expecting to achieve at least a Grade 6 in English Literature. 

You will need to discuss your suitability with the Director of Drama prior to making your option choice.

We go to the theatre regularly as part of the A Level course in order to widen your experience of plays and performances from different times, cultures and styles. We are privileged to live in an area that has fantastic access to a wide variety of touring and home-grown productions. The majority of our trips therefore take place at theatres in and around Manchester, such as the Royal Exchange, the Lowry Theatre, and Home, Manchester. However, we may also go a little further afield to Liverpool, Leeds, Bolton, Oldham and Sheffield. 

We also try to take U6th students to London for one of their trips, depending on availability.

Additionally, we have taken several trips for Sixth Form students to Broadway, New York. 

Obviously, some students who study Drama & Theatre at A Level have their hearts set on going into the industry as actors, musical theatre performers, or directors. If this is your intention, then the A Level is an ideal way to develop your performance or directing skills and prepare for a vocational course at Drama School. We have a high success rate of past students who have gained places at highly prestigious institutions such as RADA, LAMDA, Royal Welsh School of Music & Drama, and Guildford School of Acting. Additional support is available for those who wish to audition for these highly competitive courses.

However, the vast majority of students who study A Level Drama & Theatre do not have any intention to pursue this career but choose the A Level course because they have a strong interest in the subject. Several students each year will choose to study single or joint honours courses in Drama at university as an academic subject, but equally, many go on to study subjects such as English, History, Politics, Psychology, Law, Business and Economics, Philosophy and Languages.

The careers that our students go onto are many and varied. Have a look at the section above where some past students talk about how studying Drama helped them in their career.