Drama Excellence at Brentwood School Recognised by National Youth Theatre

Brentwood School’s Drama Department is delighted to announce that nine of its students have secured places with the prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT). In addition, one student has been named on the reserve list – an outstanding achievement given the highly competitive nature of the programme.

Each year, more than 6,000 young people apply for approximately 700 places with the NYT, making this success a remarkable testament to the talent, commitment, and professionalism of Brentwood’s students. Successful applicants will join the NYT company until the age of 25, beginning their journey this summer through workshops held across the UK.

Back in early February, students from Year 9 through to Upper Sixth participated in a rigorous audition process hosted at Brentwood School. The day consisted of an intensive three-hour collaborative workshop led by NYT practitioners, followed by individual monologue performances and interviews. Visiting practitioners praised the students for their creativity, dedication, and exemplary conduct throughout.

Mrs Sophie Hermosa, Head of Drama at Brentwood School, said:

“We are immensely proud of our students for this exceptional achievement. Gaining a place with the National Youth Theatre is no small feat, and to have nine students accepted is truly remarkable. Their dedication, creativity and professionalism shone throughout the audition process, and it is wonderful to see their talent recognised at such a prestigious level.”

She added: “Opportunities like this are transformative. The National Youth Theatre offers invaluable training and exposure to some of the UK’s leading theatre-makers, and I have no doubt our students will thrive, grow in confidence, and return with skills that will enrich both their own practice and our wider school community. Over the past four years, we have celebrated around 30 students taking up coveted places.”

To further support and encourage this pathway, a dedicated workshop and audition session will now be a guaranteed annual event within the school calendar for students in Year 9 upwards. Another new addition, open to all students from Year 7 and great preparation for NYT, is the National Youth Monologues Competition, for which a number of students have been shortlisted for the regional final, shortlisted and highly commended. Furthermore, the department itself has been shortlisted for The School and Group Prize 2026.

*Rising star Mathilde H was also accepted for two productions with British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), the UK’s largest commissioner of new musicals. Although scheduling conflicts mean she is unable to take up this opportunity alongside NYT, this achievement further highlights the exceptional calibre of Brentwood’s drama students.