Making progression and assessment accessible to all through drama
By Sarah Hughes, Business Development Manager – Drama and Arts Award
At Trinity College London, we believe that effective communicative and performance skills are life-enhancing, know no bounds, and should be within reach of us all. Our mission is to cultivate these skills through assessments that are accessible, innovative, and authentic. We're excited to share some of the ways we’re making Trinity drama qualifications accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds, enabling everyone to thrive and reach their fullest potential.
Inspiring young people through drama
For educators, the transformative power of drama is clear. Drama education gives young people a unique opportunity to explore their creativity, build self-confidence, and develop essential life skills such as empathy, resilience, and teamwork.
As one of our Trinity Talent nominees, Grace said:
“The Trinity qualifications are amazing! They have helped me improve my performance skills, and they have also helped me develop into the confident, resilient, and motivated person I am today.”
Drama education, after all, offers more than performance skills—it nurtures qualities that enrich learners' lives, supporting them in both their personal and professional journeys.
Inclusive qualifications for young performers
Our qualifications for young learners start with the specially designed for children up to age seven. These certificates prioritise confidence-building, teamwork, and creative expression in a supportive environment. Through songs, stories, and characters, children engage in music, movement, and visual art—free from the pressure of formal exams. Instead, Young Performers Certificates celebrate participation, interaction, and group achievements, welcoming all young learners regardless of skill or experience level.
For older students who prefer the camaraderie of group performance, our In Production assessments are an ideal choice. With pathways for both performance and backstage technical skills, these assessments allow entire casts to be recognised for their collaboration. Whether students are on stage or working behind the scenes, they are assessed on teamwork and commitment, creating an experience that celebrates every role and individual contribution.
Supporting students' unique passions
One of the features of Trinity’s drama qualifications is the flexibility to choose content that resonates with each student. We have no set texts, allowing learners to dive into material they find personally meaningful, whether that’s a scene from Hamilton or a monologue from Shakespeare.
For students who might not be drawn to the stage but want to strengthen their public speaking or debating skills, our syllabus offers a unique path. This syllabus enables students to explore topics they’re passionate about, helping them build vital skills in a format that’s relevant to their interests and goals.
Our Performance Arts syllabus also provides a flexible approach, inviting candidates to explore diverse performance skills, from dance to music and even circus arts. The digital entry options for Performance Arts assessments make it even more accessible to students who may find in-person exams challenging or prefer the flexibility of submitting work online.
A commitment to access and inclusion
At Trinity College London, our commitment to inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. As well as our flexible and supportive assessment options, we are also passionate about ensuring that we create an inclusive environment where all candidates are able to demonstrate their skills and feel welcomed. We aim to make our examinations as accessible as possible and treat each learner individually when considering how we can achieve this aim, recognising that requirements vary. Our requests for reasonable adjustments can be submitted by any exam applicant and each one is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, the UK and Ireland Music and Drama Access Fund supports students who face financial or logistical barriers to engaging in drama and theatre education. This fund has supported numerous candidates on their creative journeys, ensuring that no student is excluded from the chance to participate in the performing arts.
How can our drama qualifications support your students
Trinity College London’s drama qualifications are designed to be adaptable, allowing educators to support each student’s journey in ways that work best for them. By offering flexible assessment formats, from face-to-face exams to digital submissions, and to provide options that foster confidence, creativity, and communication at every level.
If you’re passionate about ensuring all young people have equal access to drama education, we encourage you to explore our drama assessment options. Visit the Drama pages of our website to learn more.
By choosing Trinity, you’re joining a community of educators dedicated to helping young people unlock their potential through drama. We’re here to ensure that these life-enhancing skills truly are within reach of us all.