On 29 November 2012, the 'Royal' title was bestowed on the school by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its reputation as a "world-class institution for exceptional professional training in theatre and performance studies".

The school's Patron, Princess Alexandra of Kent, played a role in recommending the institution for the title.

[6] Past presidents of the school include Laurence Olivier, Peggy Ashcroft and Judi Dench.

[12] Theatre producer and Central graduate Sonia Friedman was appointed after Grandage stepped down from the role.

[13][14] In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise the majority of Central's submission was judged "world leading" or "internationally excellent".