Founded in 1981, as a co-educational theatre school. It has agreeable premises on a single site in north west London. The school is committed to providing a balanced theatrical and academic curriculum to ensure that students have a wide range of career and higher education options open to them. Besides the academic subjects they are taught speech, singing, tap, jazz, ballet and drama. Most pupils go on to drama or acting courses, or straight into the theatre and film industries. The school aims to provide an appropriately balanced academic and vocational experience for students. It is a happy school with an enthusiastic staff. The pupils are highly motivated and are encouraged to express themselves and contribute on all levels. There is close communication between parents and staff. Pastoral care is taken very seriously and the school liases closely with parents.

Pupils: Total age range 10-16; 153 pupils, 133 day (56 boys, 77 girls), 20 weekly boarding (15 boys, 5 girls). Senior department 11-16. Entrance: Main entry ages 10, 11, 14. Audition, interview, written assessment used. Potential in performing arts looked for; no religious requirements.

Stage scholarship offered annually for entry into lower school. Parents not expected to buy textbooks.

Principal: Sylvia Young. Headteacher: Ms Frances Chave, in post from 2005. Educated at Putney High School and Exeter University (Mathematics). Previously Deputy Head of Overton Grange School and Head of Mathematics at Feltham Community School. Teaching staff: 2 full time, 20 part time.

GCSE: 30 pupils in Year 11, 97% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 46.

On average, 50% leavers go on to courses in drama or acting; 25% take other courses; 25% straight into careers in films or theatre.

9 GCSE subjects offered: standard National Curriculum subjects in addition to media studies, drama, expressive arts, music, art. ICT: IT suite.

Drama and dance: Pupils take LAMDA acting, verse and prose exams. Pupils regularly accepted for drama and dance colleges and go on to work in theatre or TV. Art and design: GCSE taken.

Uniform: School uniform worn. Houses and prefects: Senior students in Year 11. Religion: Non-denominational. Religious worship not compulsory. Social: Many educational outings organised. Meals self-service or packed lunch. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to complete it by the next day or do a detention; those caught smoking on the premises will expect their parents to be called in and to be asked to leave. Rare incidents of bullying are treated extremely seriously.

Dean Gaffney; Frances Ruffelle; Danni Behr; Emma Bunton; Denise van Outen; Stephen Mackintosh; Keeley Hawes; Billie Piper; Jon Lee.