LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) is a prestigious UK drama school and awarding body offering speech and drama qualifications. Their graded exams help learners develop confidence, communication, and performance skills.

Most of our schools offer Introductory and Acting syllabi. Some also offer Speaking Verse & Prose, Speaking in Public, or Musical Theatre. The syllabi offered vary by school and are confirmed at registration.

Yes — Grades 6, 7, and 8 (Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal) carry UCAS points, which can support university applications.

LAMDA UCAS Point Allocations Table

At Vibe Arts, we follow LAMDA’s official guidance when preparing students for exams. Each grade has recommended Guided Learning Hours set by LAMDA, which outline the suggested amount of teacher-led instruction (guided learning) required for exam readiness. The Total Qualification Time combines the Guided Learning Hours with the expected hours of independent study at home.

These hours are a guideline, and our tutors carefully balance these with each student’s individual progress to ensure they are confident and fully prepared to take an exam. Because of this, we do not automatically enter students for an exam every term.

As soon as your child is exam ready, you’ll receive an email from Vibe Arts with the earliest suggested exam date from their coach and full booking details.

LAMDA's Guided Learning Hours Table

Why it takes time

LAMDA exams are recognised qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

• LAMDA Entry Level exams sit within the national Entry Level framework.

• Grades 1 to 3 are Level 1 qualifications, equivalent to a Level 1 NVQ or Diploma.

• Grade 4 and 5 are Level 2 qualifications, the same level of qualification as a GCSE.

• Grades 6 to 8 are Level 3 qualifications, equivalent to A Levels, with UCAS points awarded.

As the qualification level increases, so does the time it takes to prepare - with more complex content, higher standards, and the need for greater depth of understanding.

At Vibe Arts, we’re committed to ensuring your child not only passes, but thrives. If you’re looking for a quick tick-box approach, we may not be the right fit - and it’s important to recognise that rushing exam coaching and preparation goes against both LAMDA’s guidance and the national expectations for qualifications of this level. You can read more about what qualification levels mean on the GOV.UK website.

Most students take their exam at LAMDA, Barons Court. Where needed, we may offer local public centres (this will be made clear in your booking email).

If your child cannot attend due to illness, injury, or bereavement, you may apply directly to LAMDA for a 50% credit within 10 working days. Vibe Arts cannot apply on your behalf.

We’ll always try to avoid clashes with planned school events. However, it’s your responsibility to inform us of any known absences as early as possible so we can try to reschedule.

If you decide to stop LAMDA coaching at any point, we ask that you complete our Vibe Arts Notice Form. Notice must be given before the end of the current term to avoid being charged for the following term, as our coaches are confirmed and scheduled in advance.

Notice given after the term has ended will not be accepted, and fees for the next term will still apply.

Most sessions are one-to-one, though some small group work may take place. Sessions cover performance work, character development, theory, and knowledge questions tailored to the student’s current grade.

Students should regularly practise at home. This may include memorising pieces, developing character choices, and preparing for knowledge questions. Parents/guardians are expected to support this where possible.

Unless we hear otherwise, students will automatically move on to the next appropriate grade. If your child is not continuing, please let us know before the new term starts. Full term fees apply, even if a student withdraws partway through.

We do our best to keep coaching consistent, but as our coaches are also working professionals in the industry, changes may occasionally be necessary. Vibe Arts reserves the right to assign, change or substitute LAMDA coaches at any time.

That said, all of our coaches are experienced, DBS-checked, and follow a thorough handover process to ensure continuity and care when students move between tutors.

• Printed exam piece(s)

• Printed knowledge sheets

• Notebook and pen/pencil

TutorBird is our platform for lesson notes, calendar, resources, and progress tracking. You can log in via vibearts.co.uk/tutorbird.

Missed sessions are not refunded or rescheduled. Please notify us in advance where possible. You can alert your tutor by logging into TutorBird, finding the class on your calendar and clicking the cancel lesson button.

You will then be asked to complete a form...

Lesson Notes are emailed to you and uploaded to TutorBird. They summarise what was covered, tasks for next time, and any attached resources. Please note that Lesson Notes are intended as a brief summary. Coaches will always discuss tasks and targets directly with the student during their session, so not every detail will be written down.

Invoices are sent out shortly before the start of each term. Full payment is required in advance unless a payment plan has been agreed. You can pay securely online via the link provided in your invoice or by logging into TutorBird and clicking the Account & Invoices tab.

Once a student is ready, you’ll receive an email with the earliest recommended exam date. You’ll then complete a booking form on the Vibe Arts website, choose a preferred weekend date, and pay online. We handle the rest.

No – LAMDA assigns the time, usually confirmed two weeks before the exam. Exam slots are between 9:30am–5:30pm on Saturdays or Sundays.

A digital results PDF will be emailed within 30 working days of the exam. Hard copies and certificates (if the student passed) will be given in the student’s session once received by post.

Replacement certificates can be ordered directly from LAMDA. Fees apply and are handled by LAMDA, not Vibe Arts.

Yes – just email mail@vibearts.co.uk with your child’s email and the subject “TutorBird Student Access.” This is free of charge. Student accounts do not show billing info.

The best way is to use the Study Log feature in TutorBird to share practice, ask questions, or upload videos.

Simply click Study Log in the menu, and then click the Add Time button.

For any other LAMDA queries (e.g. billing or exams), please email Head office at mail@vibearts.co.uk.

While we’re proud to maintain a 100% pass rate, this is never guaranteed. Students are only entered when they are ready and prepared to succeed.