The Lamont School of Speech and Drama, founded in 1982 by Principal Mrs. Diane Lamont, is now recognised as one of the leading schools in the North West.

Pupils aged 4-20 are taught in mixed groups - with Lamont boasting an unusually high proportion of boys - using role play, improvisation and drama games. They can also enter festivals and take examinations. However, the emphasis is on developing confidence and imagination, learning drama skills, getting on with everyone in the group, but, above all, having fun!

This is a school where flair is encouraged to flourish, but in a disciplined atmosphere. The School's motto sums up the ethos: Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.

Lamont pupils are increasingly in demand for television, film and stage work, and this has led to the setting up of the Lamont Casting Agency. The Lamont School is a part-time drama school, located in Formby, near Liverpool, Merseyside.

Lamont Drama School is a LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) examination centre and holds several sessions each year.

Principal Diane Lamont has 25 years of experience of teaching all grades from entry level to grade 8.  The small examination classes focus on technical interpretation and technique as well as thorough knowledge of theory,  giving pupils the best chance to gain top marks.

Pupils gaining a Grade 6, Grade 7 or Grade 8 in a Speaking of Verse and Prose Examination can now gain extra points towards their university applications.

The point system applies to any pupil going to university from autumn 2008.  Points will be awarded on a sliding scale for passes, merits and distinctions.  A distinction gained for Grade 8 will be awarded 65 points which compares to 80 points for an ‘A’ level grade C.

Lamont Drama School principal Diane Lamont, said: “For many years pupils have told me how much the speech and drama exams have helped them with their GCSEs and their ‘A’ level studies. I’m absolutely delighted that universities are now officially recognising that. Pupils put in a lot of hard work and effort to get the top marks and now they have got an added incentive to do well.

“We are lucky that we have a LAMDA centre attached to the school in Formby because many areas do not have a local facility. I now have pupils coming from St. Helens, Aintree, Preston and Rufford to study for the different grades.”

“In a recent examination session I had 29 pupils entered. 23 were awarded distinctions, with the remaining six gaining a very commendable merit.”