Drama is included in the National Curriculum for English programme of study. It forms part of the Speaking and Listening attainment target. In some secondary schools, pupils may have discrete lessons. Other schools may incorporate this within their English curriculum.

The programme of study highlights that pupils should develop their ability to work in role and improvise, devise and script plays and review their own performances and those of others. Pupils are expected to engage with plays, for the stage and screen, as part of the Reading attainment target in English. The Writing attainment target also includes reference to pupils producing play scripts and screenplays. Drama can be integrated into this to support reading and writing outcomes for pupils and experience the purpose of scripts in underpinning performances. It is expected that pupils study a play by Shakespeare. There are materials in this section that can be used to support planning and resourcing this. These may encourage a drama-based approach to the text.

Drama also has a unique set of skills, knowledge and understand outside of the English curriculum. This includes conveying relationships, building a character, the use of voice and gesture as well as elements of staging.