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Why is this a separate table?

The Arts, Drama & Music table ranks 12 specialist performing arts colleges and conservatoires that don’t meet the full criteria for inclusion in the main league table. The methodology used is the same as for the main table. You’ll also find some of these institutions in their relevant subject tables.

Who comes out on top in 2025?

Guildhall School of Music & Drama has done it again, staying top of the table in 2025. Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music also keep their second and third places from 2024.

Elsewhere, four institutions move up one place including Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Royal College of Music, Glasgow School of Art and Trinity Laban Conservatoire.

Not so lucky are Royal Northern College of Music, down two to sixth position, and Courtauld Institute of Art, also dropping two places to ninth.

Rose Bruford College is a new entry in the top ten this year, taking the tenth spot.

1. 1.     Guildhall School of Music & Drama
2. 2.     Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
3. 3.     Royal Academy of Music, University of London
4. 4.     Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
5. 5.     Royal College of Music
6. 6.     ​Royal Northern College of Music
7. 7.     Glasgow School of Art
8. 8.     Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
9. 9.     Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
10. 10.   Rose Bruford College

Where to next?

Below are some suggested pages for you to visit to help you make the right decision when choosing what and where to study. 

• Read through our subject guides to find the right course for you.
• Take a look at our careers guides to see what you can achieve with your chosen course.
• Use Uniselect to shortlist universities that provide your chosen course.
• Find out more about your shortlisted unis with our university profiles.
• Book open days to help inform your choices.