We Did It – 14 Bursaries now secured for 2-term and 3-term Acting Foundation Course for 2026

Back in January, when we announced our exciting new two-term and three-term Acting Foundation courses, we made a bold pledge: to secure funding that would enable us to provide £5,000 bursaries to 50% of the student cohort. Our aim was to make this the most accessible and affordable professional drama school training possible.

We know how difficult it can be for young people to feel that a drama school education is within their reach. Breaking down barriers and moving towards our “talent first” ambition – creating a more equitable and diverse student body – is incredibly important to us.

That is why we are so proud to announce that we have done it. We have hit our target and will now be able to provide 14 students (50% of the intake) across the two-term and three-term courses with £5,000 bursaries toward their course fees.

The latest funder to get behind this campaign is a long-time supporter of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School: the Patricia Routledge Foundation. Named after School alumna Patricia Routledge, who sadly passed away in 2025, the foundation has provided bursary support to our students for more than 20 years.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued support. They will be funding three of the 14 bursaries, alongside the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (funding four bursaries) and our other generous partners.

There is still time to apply for the Acting Foundation courses – closing date is 26th March 2026.