Founded in 1861, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is the longest established drama school in the United Kingdom and remains one of the most prestigious and progressive in the world. The drama school is dedicated to training actors, stage managers, and technicians to meet the demand and opportunities of the contemporary professional theatre.

LAMDA has been offering public examinations since the 1880s and is now the largest Speech and Drama Board. Since 1992, the department has offered its syllabus in a number of countries overseas to the extent that it now has a presence in Africa, the Far East, Middle East, the United States and Europe.

The examination syllabus offers a wide range of subjects, including The Speaking of Verse and Prose, Acting, Improvisation, Mime, Public Speaking and group work. All examinations are graded and some lead on to the Diplomas awarded by The Academy.

The medal grades for LAMDA also provide UCAS points, helpful for University applications.

Any form of LAMDA training will provide an insight into the main elements of speech and drama, also giving confidence and presence on stage to those who persist with it.