The Art Of Speaking Starts Here

About Us

At The Oracy School, we believe that confidence, clarity, and creativity are the cornerstones of success—both on stage and in life. Our mission is to empower students with the tools to express themselves confidently, think critically, and communicate with impact.

We specialise in delivering high-quality Speech and Drama training through the internationally recognised LAMDA examinations. Whether it’s acting, public speaking, or verse and prose, our students are guided by experienced instructors who are passionate about helping every learner discover their voice.

Our programmes are designed not only to prepare students for formal qualifications, but to build life-long skills that enhance academic performance, social confidence, and future career opportunities.

We currently partner with leading schools in the UK and are expanding internationally, bringing prestige and excellence to classrooms through structured, inspiring lessons tailored to students’ age and experience.

455 Pupils Taught

44 nationalities

20+ years LAMDA teaching experience as a team

Over 97% Distinction and Merit over 271 exams

5 different subjects

23 different grades

Over 70% distinctions

Across 3 respected schools

Over 40 years in theatre/film

About Oracy

Now, more than ever, young people must find their voice....

Oracy—the ability to speak and listen effectively—is as fundamental to education as literacy and numeracy. It enables students not just to absorb knowledge, but to express ideas, think critically, and collaborate meaningfully. As education becomes increasingly global and communication-driven, oracy is emerging as a key skill for success in every sphere of life.

For Younger Students: Building Confidence Early

Oracy is foundational to early learning. For young children, learning to speak clearly and listen attentively shapes their ability to read, write, and relate to others. It helps them articulate thoughts, ask questions, and build the confidence to take part in classroom life. Strong oracy skills also support emotional regulation, social interaction, and inclusive learning—especially in linguistically diverse classrooms.

For Older Students: Speaking for Success

As students progress, oracy becomes a powerful tool for independence, leadership, and self-expression. It plays a vital role in exam success, interview readiness, university entrance, and future employment. The ability to speak with clarity, authority, and empathy is what transforms knowledge into influence—and learners into leaders.

"Oracy is intrinsic to children’s early development, to the testing of thought, to social and emotional well-being, to the development of reading and writing, and to their success in learning and in life."

— We Need to Talk, Oracy Education Commission (2024)

"Spoken communication skills are a key attribute for business graduates... oracy must be viewed as both a process and a product in the undergraduate curriculum."

— Embedding Oracy Practices in Higher Education, Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice

“On average, pupils who participate in oral language interventions make approximately five months’ additional progress over the course of a year.”
— Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

The World Economic Forum lists complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication as essential skills for the future workforce—all of which are strengthened through oracy.
— Future of Jobs Report, WEF

— We Need to Talk, Oracy Education Commission (2024)

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— Future of Jobs Report, WEF

Read here

About Us

About LAMDA

LAMDA stands for the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art—one of the UK’s most respected drama schools and a world leader in performance-based examinations.

For over 150 years, LAMDA has championed the power of speech, communication, and the performing arts to build confidence and unlock potential. Today, LAMDA’s graded examinations are internationally recognised and delivered in over 30 countries, offering students a structured pathway to develop their expressive abilities.

From Acting and Public Speaking to Verse & Prose and Reading for Performance, each LAMDA exam is designed to nurture creativity while developing essential life skills—like clarity of speech, focus, presence, and confidence under pressure.

LAMDA qualifications are regulated by Ofqual and, at the higher levels, carry UCAS tariff points—making them an impressive addition to university applications.

Whether a student dreams of the West End or simply wants to speak with confidence in the classroom, LAMDA empowers young people to find their voice—and use it.

Qualifications

We offer a full suite of LAMDA Graded Examinations in Performance and Communication. These qualifications are designed to inspire students of all abilities—from beginners taking their first steps into speech and drama, to advanced learners working towards formal recognition and UCAS points.

Verse & Prose

A foundational LAMDA exam that builds articulation, rhythm, and interpretation through the performance of poetry and prose. Particularly popular with younger learners.

Public Speaking

Ideal for students who wish to build confidence in presentation skills, speech structure, and persuasive communication. Perfect preparation for school debates, university interviews, or future careers.

Reading for Performance

A blend of expressive reading and dramatic interpretation, developing a student’s ability to bring written words to life. Students choose literature that they are passionate about from a theme of their choice.

Acting

Students explore characters, perform monologues or duologues, and develop vocal clarity, physical expression, and emotional connection. Exams are available from Entry Level to Grade 8.

UCAS Points & Recognition

LAMDA exams at Grades 6, 7, and 8 carry UCAS points—a valuable addition to university applications. In fact, two distinctions at Grade 8 are worth more than an A* at A-Level.

All LAMDA qualifications are accredited by Ofqual and recognised internationally for their rigour, creativity, and personal development value.

Our Services

At Oracy School, we offer a fully managed LAMDA program for schools across the UK and internationally. Our service is designed to deliver outstanding speech and drama training without adding any burden to school staff — from enrolment to examination.

Whether your students are beginners building confidence, or advanced performers preparing for university-level qualifications, we tailor the experience to meet their needs.

What We Provide

1. Weekly Speech & Drama Lessons
Delivered on-site by our experienced instructors. Lessons are available as 1-to-1 sessions or small group classes, depending on the needs and age range of your students.

2. Full Exam Preparation
We prepare students for LAMDA exams from Entry Level to Grade 8. Higher grades earn UCAS points, supporting university applications.

3. Termly Progress Reports
Parents receive regular updates on their child’s development in voice, communication, and performance.

4. Seamless Administration
We manage enrolment, scheduling, invoicing, exam registration, and reporting — allowing schools to offer a premium co-curricular programme with zero internal admin load.

5. End-of-Year Recognition
Optional performance showcases and awards to celebrate student achievement and promote confidence through public speaking.

Flexible Delivery

• 1-to-1 coaching for tailored support and exam preparation

• Group sessions to encourage collaboration, listening skills and ensemble work

• Available during or after the school day to suit your timetable

A Complete Confidence Curriculum

From the classroom to the stage — we equip students with the tools to speak clearly, listen actively, perform expressively, and carry themselves with assurance.

Let Oracy School bring this transformative experience to your students.

Meet The Team

Fi Fowler

Nicholas Banks

Helena Prettyman

Experienced. Passionate. Dedicated to Every Voice.

At Oracy School, we believe great teaching begins with great teachers. Our team is made up of professional actors, qualified educators, and LAMDA specialists — all with a shared passion for helping young people grow in confidence through speech and performance.

Fi took her first LAMDA exam at the age of eight. Over the following ten years, she progressed through the grades, achieving Gold Medal Distinctions in both Acting and Verse & Prose by the time she left school.

A former student of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Fi has taught at both The Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Bedford School. She has led a large and successful LAMDA department for over eight years, guiding more than 250 students through exams in Acting, Verse & Prose, Speaking in Public, Reading for Performance, and Shakespeare, across the 13–18 age range.

Fi is also a mentor in debating and public speaking, training national finalists for competitions including the ESU Mace, Churchill Public Speaking, Performing Shakespeare, Rotary Youth Speaks, and Debating Matters.

She remains active in the theatre industry, with recent work including UK tours of Les Misérables, Dear Evan Hansen, and War Horse.

Fi has two cats and loves a pub quiz.

Helena is an accomplished educator and performer, with a diverse background in the arts. Harnessing a love pf perofrmance from a young age, she achieved Distinctions in her Gold Medal LAMDA exams in both Acting and Verse and Prose.

In addition to this, she boasts a BA in English with Creative Writing from the University of Nottingham and an MA in Acting from The Arts Educational School, one of the UK's most acclaimed institutions for vocational performing arts training.

Helena had over eight years of teaching experience, starting her education career as a Special Educational Needs assistant before progressing to teach LAMDA at both Bedford School and St Paul's Girls' School, where she has inspired students with her passion for drama and performance.

She also has worked as an Assistant Stage Manager on various musical theatre productions and has enjoyed professional success as an actor.

Outside of the classroom, Helena represents Team England in Women's Box Lacrosse and recently competed in the World Box Lacrosse Championships in NY.

She has a puppy and is fiercely competetive at pub quizzes.