SEVEN pupils from Ariel’s Burgess Hill Academy are celebrating after receiving their LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exam results, writes Dayna Spear, student reporter.

All students were successful, earning a merit or distinction grade in the exams, which judge their acting, speech and drama skills and the understanding of the characters they represent.

LAMDA is the main constitutional speech and drama awarding body in the UK and Ariel’s Burgess Hill Academy is distinctive due to the fact that it offers students the chance to take LAMDA examinations for free.

Students who pass LAMDA exams gain UCAS points which come in useful when applying to university.

LAMDA tutor Audrey Lucas said: “Every one of our students worked hard with some even achieving marks of 100% in some aspects of the course.

“They were a joy to work with and I am proud of each and every one of them.”

In addition to outstanding LAMDA exam results, pupils from Ariel’s Burgess Hill Academy were thrilled to be presented with a five-year award, which not only recognises their success, dedication and commitment but also thanks them for their sustained hard work – the silver theatre mask badge they were awarded with is a global, iconic symbol of drama.

Ariel director Nicci Hopson, who awarded the pupils with their badges, said: “It has been a pleasure to watch the children grow as performers and in confidence.

“Each one has developed into an accomplished young actor and is a privilege to teach.”