Impact Evaluation of LAMDA Exams in Schools

The Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY) has partnered with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) to publish an evaluation report of their LAMDA Exams provision for schools.

With a global reach and reputation within performing arts education, LAMDA is one of the premier institutions within its field along with its awarding arm which provides qualifications in communications and performance for all ages. We partnered with the academy to investigate the impact of LAMDA Exams specifically within England’s state schools, with an aim to redress the balance of state and independent schools engaging with its provision.

Some key findings

Through our mixed methods approach of surveying teachers in LAMDA’s school networks and conducting four site visits where provision took place, our findings showed that:

• Taking part in LAMDA positively impacts learners’ mental health and wellbeing, particularly in terms of giving them skills to navigate emotionally challenging situations in their lives effectively.
• Learners who took part in LAMDA improved their confidence in a variety of school-based situations, including lessons and performance activities. Case study participants suggested that having challenging and unfamiliar experiences, learning how to practice and improve, and experiencing success were key elements of LAMDA that contributed to greater confidence.
• Aspects of LAMDA’s structure and teaching were particularly effective in supporting the academic engagement and progress of learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
• Teachers observed links between LAMDA teaching and learners’ behaviour for learning and academic development, particularly in terms of their spoken English, peer collaboration skills, and some specific aspects of their written English.
• Other unintended outcomes of participation in LAMDA were supporting transition, physical development, transferable skills, greater resilience, and greater sense of integration into the wider school community.

Next steps

This work is one example of the CfEY’s commitment to highlighting the value of creative and cultural arts provision within English state schools, and the importance of fair access for all young people to be creative – especially for those from underserved backgrounds. We want to continue supporting organisations in the education and youth sector like LAMDA who share this commitment, to improve their work and reach all young people. We encourage you to get in touch with our Engagement Associate, Simon Lam ([email protected]), if you would like to discuss ways of collaborating on this topic in the future.