• UK Drama School Survey 2026

  • This survey has been designed to build a clearer, evidence-based picture of drama school training in the UK, drawing on the views of current students, recent graduates, creative professionals and industry leaders. Rather than relying on reputation or hearsay, it combines structured questions with opportunities for respondents to share their experiences and perspectives.

    The primary aim is to better understand how training is experienced, how well it prepares people for professional work, and where there may be gaps between expectations and reality.

    The survey includes a shared set of core questions across all groups, alongside tailored sections reflecting different experiences and career stages. Alongside questions about training, costs and career development, we will also collect a small amount of demographic information to help us understand who is accessing drama school training and whether experiences and outcomes vary across different groups.

    All responses will remain anonymous. 

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  • Which best describes your current role in the performing arts?*
  • Current Students Survey

  • Which year are you in (or have just finished)?
  • Approximately how much did you spend in total on audition fees when applying to drama schools?
  • What is your total annual tuition fee?
  • Do you receive any scholarship or financial support?
  • How do you primarily fund your training and living costs?
  • Do you currently undertake paid work alongside your training?
  • How would you rate the quality of teaching?
  • How would you rate support for student wellbeing (including mental health)?
  • Approximately how much do you pay for accommodation each month?
  • How would you rate your student accommodation?
  • How would you rate your school’s links with the professional industry?
  • Would you choose the same institution again?
  • Recent Graduates (last 5 years) Survey

  • When did you graduate?
  • Approximately how much did you spend in total on audition fees when applying to drama schools?
  • What was your annual tuition fee?
  • Did you receive any scholarship or financial support?
  • How long did it take you to secure your first paid creative or technical role (e.g. acting, directing, stage management, design) after graduating?
  • What best describes your current situation?
  • Approximately what proportion of your income currently comes from performing arts work?
  • Approximately what is your current annual income from performing arts work?
  • Do you currently have professional representation (e.g. an agent)?
  • (For acting courses) Did you take part in a showcase at the end of your training?
  • How effective was your showcase in leading to professional opportunities?
  • Approximately what was your total level of debt when you left drama school?(including student loans, overdrafts and any other borrowing related to your training)
  • Looking back, would you choose the same institution again?
  • Established Creative and Techical Professionals (5+ years)

  • Which of the following best describes your primary work?
  • How long have you been working professionally in the performing arts?
  • Did you undertake formal training at a drama school or conservatoire?
  • How would you describe your current career?
  • Do you see significant differences in the level of preparation between different institutions?
  • To what extent does where someone trained influence your perception of them professionally?
  • Which drama schools or conservatoires do you believe consistently produce the most industry-ready graduates? (select up to 3)
  • In your experience, what skills are graduates typically strong in? (select up to 3)
  • What skills are most often lacking in new graduates? (select up to 3)
  • Industry Executives Survey

  • Which of the following best describes your role?
  • How many years have you worked in the performing arts industry?
  • Does your role involve selecting, hiring or casting performers and/or creative teams?
  • Do you see significant differences in the level of preparation between different institutions?
  • To what extent does where someone trained influence your perception of them professionally?
  • Which drama schools or conservatoires do you believe consistently produce the most industry-ready graduates? (select up to 3)
  • In your experience, what skills are graduates typically strong in? (select up to 3)
  • What skills are most often lacking in new graduates? (select up to 3)
  • In your experience, how long does it typically take for a new graduate to become “fully job-ready”?
  • How often do you encounter graduates who are not ready for the demands of professional work?
  • About you

    The following questions are optional and will help us understand whether experiences differ across different groups.
  • Age group
  • Gender
  • How would you describe your ethnicity?
  • Do you consider yourself to be disabled or to have a long-term physical or mental health condition?
  • Did either of your parents attend university?
  • Should be Empty: