YOUNG people were full of confidence when it came to sitting an exam of a different kind.

Smithills School has introduced a qualification in acting and speech run by the acclaimed drama school, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, to develop pupils confidence and presence to complement their academic achievements.

The exam is sat by Year Eight pupils, who study for it in their oracy performing arts lessons.

In their exam, pupils had to demonstrate a strong speaking voice, positive body language, self-confidence and a presence ­— attributes which the school says are key to "success in further education and the world of work.

And every child passed with flying colours, with 60 per cent of the cohort achieving a distinction for their performance.

Head of performing arts at Smithills School, Andy Milthorpe said: "I am absolutely delighted with what our pupils have achieved, they have worked with focus and determination to succeed in these exams. My team of performing arts teachers, Mrs Elliott and Miss Oakes have worked extremely hard to ensure all pupils were fully prepared for these exams."

LAMDA was founded in 1861, making it the oldest drama school in the UK. I startted to offer examinations in speech and drama to the public over 130 years ago.

The drama school says that "the process of preparing for and succeeding in a LAMDA examination helps learners, whatever their ages or aspirations, to

develop a broad range of skills that will serve them throughou