Institutional Reputation
GSA’s reputation and heritage provide our students with a clearly defined identity and profile within the contemporary creative industries. We’re passionate about constantly upholding and developing this reputation, ensuring our students have the technical skills they need whilst also encouraging them to develop their artistic integrity, entrepreneurism, and creativity to succeed as artists.
We are ranked 3rd in the UK for drama, dance, and cinematics in the Complete University Guide 2026.
The University of Surrey was shortlisted for the University of the Year title at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024.
Teaching Excellence
Industry-leading staff and visiting professionals. Students at GSA are taught and advised by leading West End directors, casting agents, lighting directors, experienced professionals and leading academics, giving our graduates a unique and comprehensive support network and knowledge base they can utilise pre and post-graduation.
Guildford School of Acting achieved a 90.3% satisfaction score for teaching quality and 90.7% for academic support in the National Student Survey, highlighting our commitment to excellence in both education and student care.
Training Excellence
Guildford School of Acting consistently receives high overall student satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey. Our rigorous training and development process is proven to develop versatile, dynamic performers whose attention to detail, professionalism, and talent give GSA graduates an unrivalled reputation and employment record across the creative industries.
98.9% of our students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2025, HESA).
World Class Facilities
GSA facilities rank amongst some of the best professional training facilities in the UK Conservatoire sector. These include the £4.5 million 190-seat Bellairs Theatre, 128-seat PATS Studio Theatre, 128-capacity Founders studio, 60-seat Rex Doyle Studio Theatre, 15 Dance and Rehearsal studios (facilities include sound system, ballet barres, sprung floors, keyboard/piano), 10 tutorial/practice rooms, scenic studio workshop, a technical workshop and stage management production office, extensive costume stores and workrooms, a Mac lab and up-to-the-minute black magic film cameras.
As part of the University of Surrey, our students also have full access to the university's facilities including student accommodation, the Library and Learning Centre, which has seen an investment of £16 million over the last 5 years, the £36 million Surrey Sports Park, and lots more!
Guildford is ranked the safest university town in England and Wales by the Complete University Guide (February 2025).
Find out more about our facilities here.
GSA community
Whether you’re joining GSA on one of our foundation or degree programmes, taking part in our part-time classes or attending one of our performances the energy and passion of being part of the GSA community is undeniable. Through our collaborative approaches to learning and teaching and the extensive support network available to students, both personally and professionally, we hope that you’ll be inspired and proud to be part of the family. Foundation and degree students also have access to the GSA Student Society and the University of Surrey’s Student Union, which is committed to voicing student opinion, facilitating clubs and societies, and providing support and advice throughout your student life.
International community
At GSA, our staff, students, and alumni come from all over the World. Our diverse student cohorts and global focus are core elements of life at GSA that all students benefit from.
Performances and Productions
At GSA, we pride ourselves on delivering performances and productions to the highest professional standards, showcasing the skill and talent of our students. It’s also important that our students have the opportunity to work with external directors, introducing them to the realities of industry practice. Productions are staged in the 190-seat Bellairs Theatre, 60-seat Rex Doyle Studio Theatre, as well as in theatres and venues in and around Guildford and London, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of professional performance environments. These external venues include the renowned Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, The Mill Studio, and The Electric Theatre in Guildford, and various venues in London’s West End, including the Shaftesbury Theatre, the Charing Cross Theatre, the Criterion Theatre, and the Soho Theatre.
Information on performances, productions, and bookings can be found here.
