There are a number of different approaches to drama: to teach it to the obviously talented only; to teach it to all as part of the academic curriculum; or to provide it as a recreational activity to anyone interested – or a mixture.

Most schools offer GCSE, AS and A-level drama/theatre studies and frequently enter pupils for local drama festivals, debating and public-speaking competitions; a few have pupils in eg the National Youth Theatre groups. Many follow the LAMDA or an equivalent speech and drama award programme.  You can often find out what a school puts on by way of pupil productions – Oliver!, Shakespeare, Pinter, Greek tragedies, French plays in French, house drama competitions. Sometimes everyone is involved (scene builders, wardrobe, publicity), sometimes just a few enthusiasts. Many schools have theatres equipped to professional standards. A small (but increasing) number of schools have drama scholarships.