Drama
Drama provides students with a broad set of skills that are in demand across many industries and careers, including teamwork, working well under pressure, and meeting deadlines as well as encouraging creative and critical thinking.
A high-performing department
Every department in School understands, supports and encourages enrichment through co-curricular and other activities, and Drama is no different. However, academic success is paramount, and a true reflection of our students’ hard work, dedication and commitment.
Cumulatively our results speak for themselves and our students consistently perform extremely well in Drama at GCSE and A level.
Our results from the past three years:
Achieved Grades 9-7
in GCSE
Achieved Grades A*-B
in A Level
Inspiring the next generation of theatre makers
There are multiple theatre trips on offer for both GCSE and A Level students each year. Our Sixth Form Drama students also experience a yearly all-day trip exploring the theatres of London, attending a matinee and an evening performance. Throughout the year they will visit such prestigious venues as The National Theatre, The Old Vic, Bridge Theatre, and Shakespeare’s Globe; enriching and reinforcing not only their learning, but their passion.
A wealth of creativity
The breadth and depth we offer in terms of genre and style, and the standard our school produces, sets us apart from our competitors.
Participation outside of the curriculum is the perfect way for students to build on their creative practice whilst expanding on their performance skills, as well as having fun and being part of the wider community.
Our co-curricular opportunities include:
- Whole School Musical
- Sixth Form Production
- Year 10 and 11 Production
- Year 9 Shakespeare on the Lawn
- Biennial trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Years 11 to 13)
- LAMDA Showcases
Discover LAMDA
Woodbridge School’s Drama department is associated with LAMDA, the oldest drama school in the United Kingdom, founded in 1861. It is also the largest statutory speech and drama award body in the country.
From Year 7 students are able to sign up for weekly LAMDA lessons, on their own or with a friend. This personal tutelage, delivered by our exceptional LAMDA staff, is a great way to develop performance skills whilst gaining confidence.
Our productions
You can view our memorable archive of trailers and reviews over the last decade by accessing our production archive below.
A complete list of productions from the last decade and the full variety the department offers can be found below.
November 2025: The Trial
July 2025: Love’s Labour’s Lost
February 2025: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
November 2024: Frankenstein
July 2024: The Two Gentlemen of Verona
February 2024: Little Shop of Horrors
Scholarship and Enrichment Programme
Our Scholarship and Enrichment Programme has been developed over the last few years. On an annual basis, we have a Scholar cohort of around 15, spanning Year 7-13, and our Enrichment participants exceed 100, again covering the whole school.
Scholarship & Enrichment students are invited to participate in a wide range of activities, aimed at engaging, stretching and challenging those who demonstrate passion and potential in Drama. These activities include:
- Live production screenings – Seckford Theatre doubles as an impressive cinema venue allowing us to screen and share archived productions.
- Post-screening discussions – We gather in the theatre foyer after every screening to share our thoughts, reactions, and wonderings with fellow classmates and members of the School.
- Play seminars – Delving deep into a script of our choosing, we come together to engage in critical discussion, similar to University-style teachings
- External facilitator workshops – In the past, award-winning and internationally acclaimed companies have visited the department, including Gecko, Wise Children, and Frantic Assembly.
- Internal facilitator workshop – Susan Lockwood, Head of LAMDA, regularly delivers bespoke Vocal Masterclasses as part of the programme. OWs Isabelle Cory, and Jamie Saul have also returned to School to deliver tailored workshops to our junior cohorts.
- Year 7 and 8 Drama club – Our youngest Scholarship & Enrichment students meet every week, joined by Susan Lockwood, for Drama Club; a creative and invigorating way to begin their wider Drama journey.
Seckford Theatre – State of the art technical facilities
Situated within our School grounds, Seckford Theatre is a 330-seat, state of the art professional theatre that provides an exceptional space for students to realise their creative vision. Every student has the opportunity to learn, perform and assist in a professional theatre. With our team of professional experts, all practical examination work is supported by the Theatre’s technical team.
Behind the scenes
As well as opportunities for students on the stage, the theatre also provides the chance for aspiring technicians to train under the professional guidance of our theatre technicians; in lighting, sound, set design and backstage support.
Magnificent Performance of ‘The Trial’ by our Sixth Form Students
Junior Scholarship and Enrichment Drama Students’ Workshop – Nov 2025
Meeting More Characters as Rehearsals for ‘The Trial’ Continue
Design and Drama Collaborate for ‘The Trial’ Programme Design
Meet the staff
Gemma Mayes, Head of Drama
Johnathan Williams, Assistant Head of Drama
Rachel Edwards, Theatre Manager
Gemma, Johnathan and Rachel have worked together for over fifteen years. During that time, they have significantly raised the academic profile of the department, with Drama consistently securing some of the highest academic results within the School. As a team they have produced over 40 extra-curricular productions, introducing favourites such as Shakespeare on the chapel lawn, having previously taken four productions up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As a team they are passionate about inspiring the next generation of theatre makers and performers.
Notable alumni
Want to see for yourself?
In addition to our open days, we welcome visits from parents and children looking for the right foundation for life ahead. We’ll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have about our School, staff and the support we offer our students.