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".

[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".

The school has been ranked sixth in its league of specialist institutions by The Guardian,[15] and ninth for drama and dance.