LAMDA exams are speech and drama qualifications designed to help people develop strong communication, performance, and presentation skills.

They’re offered to children, young people, and adults, and focus on areas like acting, public speaking, verse and prose, and speaking in performance.

In practical terms, students prepare pieces (such as monologues, duologues, poems, or extracts from plays) and perform them to an examiner. The examiner then assesses skills like:

• Clarity of speech and expression

• Characterisation and interpretation

• Confidence and stage presence

• Understanding of the text

• Vocal technique and communication skills

There are different levels, starting from beginner grades and going up to more advanced diploma levels. Each grade builds confidence and performance ability step by step.

A big reason many people take LAMDA exams is not just for grades, but because they help build real-world skills like confidence, public speaking, interview technique, and performance ability, useful both in drama and everyday life.

Benefits of doing LAMDA exams

• Builds confidence in speaking, performing, and presenting

• Improves communication and articulation skills

• Develops creativity, imagination, and interpretation skills

• Strengthens memory and focus (through learning scripts/poems)

• Helps with public speaking, interviews, and presentations in school or work

• Gives structured, measurable progress in performance ability

• Provides UCAS points at higher grades (useful for university applications)

Grade equivalents (approximate guide)

LAMDA grades don’t directly match GCSE/A-Level subjects, but they are often compared like this:

• Grades Entry – Grade 2 → roughly KS2–KS3 level (ages ~7–12)

• Grades 3 – 5 → roughly KS3–GCSE level (ages ~11–16)

• Grades 6 – 8 (Bronze, Silver, Gold) → GCSE/A-Level standard (ages ~14–18+)

• Level 3 Diploma (Foundation/Associate/Member/Fellow) → Further education / university level

Higher grades (Grade 6–8 and diplomas) can also carry UCAS tariff points, which can support university applications.

LAMDA and DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh's Award)

LAMDA exams can be used as part of the Skills section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

For example:

• Learning and preparing for a LAMDA grade counts as a skill development activity

• Students can work towards a Grade 1–8 exam over a set period

• It helps evidence consistent practice, improvement, and goal-setting

Many students choose LAMDA for DofE because it’s structured, progressive, and easy to track over time.

LAMDA exams in Leeds are typically held at approved public examination centres, with Leeds Gateway School being one of the established and valued venues used for assessments.

At AM Drama Academy, we currently prepare students for their LAMDA exams and enter them through these external public centres.

Alongside this, we are also developing plans to register as a private exam centre in partnership with Leeds Grammar School, one of our proud school partnerships, helping us continue to grow opportunities

LAMDA results are usually released within 30 working days of the exam date. If you haven’t received your results after this time, please contact AM Drama Academy and we will follow up directly with LAMDA on your behalf.

LAMDA aims to ensure learners receive their original certificates and results, so we kindly ask all participants to wait until these have been returned to us by post before collection. In the meantime, we can provide copies of learners’ examination reports and results, which are shared with us by LAMDA as soon as they arrive in our inbox.

Typically, at AM Drama Academy, we aim to enter students for 1–2 LAMDA exams per academic year. This is always considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on each student’s readiness and guided learning hours.

LAMDA Exam Fee Breakdown

• Individual (Solo)

• Duo

• Group (3+ learners, marked collectively)

Please note that in solo and combined pathways, learners are always assessed and marked individually, even when working alongside others in preparation or performance contexts.

For duo exams, the cost is split equally between the two individuals involved, and both candidates must be available to sit the exam on the same date, as it is a shared performance assessment.

For group exams (3 or more learners), candidates are assessed collectively as part of one group performance.

Please also note that Non-Regulated Group Exams include: Group Acting, Group Devising Drama, Group Musical Theatre, Choral-Speaking, Group Recital, and Group Introductory exams. These are assessed as group qualifications rather than individual graded awards.

Once exams are booked, a commitment is required to ensure the smooth preparation and progression of all learners involved.

Link to Bookin Fees: https://www.lamda.ac.uk/sites/default/files/In-Person_Fees_List_2025-2026_UK_Pound_Sterling.pdf

make it more inclusive

For LAMDA exams, students should wear something smart, comfortable, and appropriate for performance that allows them to move freely and feel confident.

There is no strict uniform. Many choose plain or neutral clothing (such as black, navy, or grey), but the most important thing is that students feel comfortable and able to express themselves.

Avoid anything that could restrict movement or distract from the performance, and keep accessories simple so the focus stays on the work.

Hair can be worn in a way that feels comfortable, as long as the face is visible for performance.

The aim is inclusivity and confidence—students should feel like themselves and be able to perform at their best.

LAMDA works with a number of approved public exam centres.

AM Drama Academy typically enters students through the Leeds public exam centre. Dates and venue information for all centres can be found on the official LAMDA website.

Link to Public Exam Centre list and key dates: https://www.lamda.ac.uk/sites/default/files/UK_In-Person_Public_Centre_Exam%20Dates_2025-2026_V09.pdf

Remote Assessment Dates: https://www.lamda.ac.uk/lamda-exams/book-an-exam/exam-dates-online-assessments

AM Drama Academy issues monthly tuition invoices during term time, along with key dates for the term.

Payments should be made within the timeframe stated on each invoice. Company bank details are included on the invoice for reference.

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full information regarding invoicing and term-time billing.