Drama students at Moreton Hall are celebrating an exceptional set of results this year, achieving a full house of top grades at both GCSE and A-Level.

In a year where, national figures show a steep decline in the uptake of Drama across the UK, Moreton Hall’s Drama department continues to flourish, increasing its intake of students and achieving outstanding success.

At GCSE level, every pupil achieved the highest possible grade of a 9 – a feat made even more impressive as all students achieved full marks in the practical components, placing them in the top 7% of the country. Collectively, the students lost only seven marks in the written exam, with one standout candidate, Lizzie Melia, achieving full marks in every component of the course.

These outstanding achievements come alongside similarly remarkable results at A-Level, where students achieved a combination of A*s and As across the board.

Moreton Hall is not only celebrating individual successes but is also bucking the national trend in Drama education. Since 2010, there has been a significant 39.4% decline in students taking GCSE Drama, with entries dropping from 81,592 to just 49,410 in 2023. A-Level Drama has seen an even more dramatic decrease of 45% in entries over the same period, from 15,144 in 2010 to 8,340 in 2023.

Michael Jenkins, Head of Drama at Moreton Hall, said: “I could not be more proud of our Drama students this year. Their passion, dedication, and hard work have truly paid off, and they have excelled beyond all expectations.

“These results are a testament to the vibrant, supportive, and creative environment we foster in our Drama department. Despite national trends showing a decline in Drama participation, we are delighted to see an increasing number of students choosing to pursue Drama at Moreton Hall, and we look forward to building on this success in the coming years.

“Statistically, we have one of the best Drama departments in the country, but in my eyes, we are the best!”

In addition to the excellent academic results, Moreton Hall’s Drama students also excelled in the prestigious LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) examinations this summer. Every pupil entered for LAMDA gained a distinction, with Upper Five pupil, Sienna Midwood scoring 82/100 at Grade Eight and Sixth Former, Isabelle Yates scoring an impressive 84/100 at Grade Eight.

Michael Brewer, Principal of Moreton Hall, added: “Moreton Hall continues to prove that Drama education is not only alive and well but thriving, with students demonstrating excellence in all areas of performance, both in and out of the classroom.

“The department remains committed to nurturing the next generation of talented performers, ensuring that Moreton Hall remains a leader in Drama education despite national challenges.”

Moreton Hall is opening its door and inviting prospective families from Reception through to Sixth Form to join them for their Whole School Open Day on September 28 at 10am. To register your interest please visit: moretonhall.org/open-day/