London remains one of the world’s most influential entertainment hubs — from West End theatre to global film production. Aspiring actors from around the world choose London for its elite drama schools, industry exposure, and access to award-winning tutors. If you’re searching for the best acting schools in London and their fees, this comprehensive guide highlights the top institutions, what makes them stand out, and how much you can expect to pay.
Top 20 Acting Schools in London and Their Fees
1. Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
RADA is often regarded as the number one acting school in the UK. The school is famous for producing international stars like Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. RADA’s curriculum emphasises classical training, voice, movement, screen performance, stage combat, and professional development. Students receive rigorous training from industry experts and frequently participate in public performances.
Fees: £10,000 – £22,000 per year depending on programme (BA, MA, short courses).
2. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
LAMDA is one of London’s oldest drama schools and known for its highly disciplined approach to acting. Courses focus on voice production, improvisation, Shakespeare, and on-camera technique. LAMDA also has strong industry connections, with final-year students performing in front of agents and casting directors.
Fees: £12,000 – £23,000 per year.
3. Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Guildhall is internationally recognised for its conservatoire-style teaching, which blends classical acting with modern performance techniques. Students receive top-tier coaching in movement, musicality, screen acting, and theatre production. The school has state-of-the-art facilities and excellent postgraduate pathways.
Fees: £9,250 – £25,000 per year.
4. Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD)
Part of the University of London, CSSD prepares students for theatre, screen, radio, and voice acting. The school is respected for its focus on creativity, experimentation, and ensemble training. Its alumni include Judi Dench and Kit Harington.
Fees: £9,250 – £23,000 per year.
5. Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts
Mountview offers outstanding hands-on acting and musical theatre programmes with strong industry partnerships. Students train intensively in stage, film, and voice performance, with several public showcases.
Fees: £12,000 – £20,000 per year.
6. ArtsEd (Arts Educational Schools London)
ArtsEd is known for producing highly employable graduates in acting and musical theatre. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum, mock auditions, and film-based training that prepares them for TV and theatre.
Fees: £14,000 – £22,000 per year.
7. City Academy London
City Academy is ideal for beginners, intermediate learners, and working professionals seeking flexible acting courses. It offers practical evening and weekend acting programmes, script analysis, audition masterclasses, and screen acting training.
Fees: £300 – £2,000 depending on course length.
8. Drama Studio London
Drama Studio London emphasises intensive actor training with small classes and a conservatoire-style approach. Their curriculum covers stagecraft, voice, movement, and professional industry preparation.
Fees: £12,000 – £18,000 per year.
9. East 15 Acting School (London Campus)
Affiliated with the University of Essex, East 15 offers a creative, experimental, and multicultural approach to actor training. Students engage in physical theatre, improvisation, screen acting, and ensemble-based work.
Fees: £12,000 – £18,500 per year.
10. London Film Academy (LFA)
LFA specialises in film-based acting and behind-the-camera training. Aspiring screen actors benefit from extensive on-camera time, film production collaboration, and realistic industry scenarios.
Fees: £8,000 – £18,000 per course.
11. The Actors Centre (Seven Dials Playhouse)
The Actors Centre is perfect for professional actors seeking workshops, lifelong training, and performance development. It offers seasonal masterclasses taught by industry veterans.
Fees: £150 – £4,000 depending on module.
12. Identity School of Acting (IDSA)
IDSA is a pioneering drama school known for developing diverse talent. Its alumni include John Boyega, Letitia Wright, and Damson Idris. IDSA offers evening and weekend classes suited for students balancing work and training.
Fees: £750 – £3,000 per term.
13. Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company
Fourth Monkey offers a contemporary, physical approach to actor training. Their courses emphasise ensemble work, movement, voice, and devised performance. The school is well known for its bold, experimental style.
Fees: £9,000 – £18,000 per year.
14. Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA)
Before its closure, ALRA was a top school — but the ALRA legacy continues in affiliated programmes and reorganised training structures around London. Students still have access to alumni groups and affiliated institutions.
Fees: £N/A (programme variations available through partner schools).
15. The Unseen Drama School
An affordable and flexible drama school focusing heavily on screen acting. The Unseen offers online and in-person training, making it popular for international students and beginners.
Fees: £200 – £1,500 depending on programme.
16. MetFilm School London
MetFilm School specialises in acting for screen within a real production environment. Students work with filmmakers, cinematographers, and editors on professional-style projects.
Fees: £8,000 – £22,000 per programme.
17. Rose Bruford College (London Campus)
Rose Bruford offers several London-based acting and performance programmes. Students receive comprehensive voice, movement, and production training with opportunities to collaborate on live theatre and film.
Fees: £9,250 – £20,000 per year.
18. Kingdom Drama School
Kingdom Drama School offers affordable, high-quality acting classes suitable for beginners and intermediate actors. The school focuses on confidence building, screen performance, and audition readiness.
Fees: £300 – £1,200 per course.
19. Brian Timoney Actors’ Studio
Known as one of London’s leading method acting schools, Brian Timoney offers immersive actor training suitable for aspiring film and theatre performers.
Fees: £800 – £5,000 depending on course type.
20. Morley College Acting Courses
Morley College offers budget-friendly acting courses for adults who want foundational skills or career-ready training without heavy tuition fees. Classes include improvisation, voice, stage acting, and audition technique.
Fees: £150 – £1,500.
Why Study Acting in London?
London offers unparalleled opportunities for performers:
- Home to globally respected drama schools.
- Direct links to film, theatre, and TV casting directors.
- A multicultural creative environment.
- Endless opportunities for workshops, showcases, and networking.
- Access to world-class theatres such as The Old Vic, The Globe, and West End venues.
How to Choose the Best Acting School in London
Choosing an acting school requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to evaluate:
1. Your Skill Level
Beginners might prefer flexible institutions like City Academy or The Unseen, while advanced students may choose RADA or LAMDA.
2. Your Budget
Top conservatoires can cost upwards of £20,000 yearly, but London also offers excellent affordable options.
3. Your Career Goals
- Want to work in film? Choose MetFilm School or LFA.
- Prefer classical theatre? Try RADA, Guildhall, or CSSD.
- Looking for diversity-driven training? IDSA is a top choice.
4. Schedule Flexibility
If you are working or studying, choose weekend or evening options like Identity School of Acting or Morley College.
5. Industry Exposure
Schools that offer public showcases, agent viewings, and film projects often provide faster access to acting jobs.
Conclusion
London is a global powerhouse for performing arts training. Whether you’re pursuing a professional stage career or focusing on film, this list of the top 20 acting schools in London with fees provides a strong starting point. Each institution offers unique strengths, flexible payment options, and industry-leading instruction to help you grow as an actor.