Four students have been awarded gold medals ahead of the Olympic Games, for their drama skills rather than sporting.

The Streatham and Clapham High School (SCHS) students, in Abbotswood Road, Streatham, were awarded distinctions in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) Medal Acting examinations.

They scooped two awards for duologue performances, and another two for solo acting.

About 120 girls in the school and Junior School have taken LAMDA exams this year in public speaking, verse, prose and acting.

Over 50 per cent of the budding performers have passed with distinction.

LAMDA teacher Sophie Shaw said: "When I started teaching at SCHS five years ago I had 23 students. The number has grown to 120.

"All girls reach their potential and find that their confidence improves significantly as a result of the preparation and examination process.

"The breadth of material introduces them to a wide variety of old and new playwrights, authors, poets and people of fame and importance. Many of my examiners have commented on how spontaneous, intelligent, friendly and without arrogance the girls are."

The LAMDA programme works alongside the school's drama department.

Students have also performed at the Unicorn Theatre, took part in the Royal Opera House BP Summer Big Screen project and ran workshops with theatre companies.