London's arts education landscape spans a remarkable range, much like its property prices, moving from structured, skills-focused curriculums to open, sensory play sessions. Providers like art-K across various boroughs offer continuity with their mid-range fees and progressive syllabuses, perfect for children aged four and up looking to develop technique. In contrast, studios such as Art Barn Classes provide premium, small-group experiences focused primarily on younger children. Parents exploring options will find everything from free drop-in sessions at major galleries to dedicated, fee-paying schools for teens preparing for art college applications.
See our top picks
Art Play
The focus on sensory art for toddlers and babies in this Shoreditch studio creates a relaxed, low-pressure environment ideal for a very first art experience.
The National Gallery
Offering numerous free, drop-in art workshops for all ages inspired by masterworks, this is unbeatable value for high-quality artistic engagement.
Royal Academy of Arts Families
The RA often hosts accessible family events and drop-in activities, which suit families needing spontaneous ways to engage with art without committing to a full term.
65 Art Providers in London
The art lessons in Clapham follow a clear, progressive curriculum designed to build skills across multiple disciplines for primary and secondary students.
This provider offers creative art classes in Clapham, giving young artists a structured way to explore various media and techniques. These term-based sessions encourage artistic development in a supportive, dedicated environment for children learning foundational skills.
- Part of a large franchise network across London
- Focus is on developing core artistic skills
- Check website for specific age group scheduling
This provider has an exceptionally consistent 5 star rating across many different KidsArt! locations throughout greater London.
A well-established name, KidsArt! runs numerous children's art classes across London locations, including sessions near Westbury Rd. They structure activities to help young people build confidence in drawing and painting, often meeting in local community spaces.
- Numerous venues across North London suburbs
- Rating is 5 across several locations found
- Contact by phone for specific age bands
A true local art school in Hampstead, this provider offers a more traditional, in-depth approach to children's art lessons away from the large franchise groups.
The Hampstead School of Art offers art classes for children in the NW3 area, providing a creative outlet rooted in this historic London community. They run sessions that allow primary and secondary age children to experiment with different artistic disciplines in a dedicated school setting.
- Check website for specific term dates and times
- Offers a range of media for older kids
- Rated 4.3 from over 40 reviews
This established Dulwich provider offers art classes that focus on developing solid drawing and painting technique for dedicated young artists.
Find art lessons in Dulwich designed for developing real artistic skills, perfect for primary and older children in the area. This group fosters exploration in a friendly setting, building on techniques learned over successive weekly sessions.
- Offers classes for a wide age spectrum
- Check schedules for weekend or after-school slots
- Has been operating for some time in Dulwich
Near Shoreditch, this studio is highly popular for its sensory art classes focused exclusively on toddlers and babies learning through play.
Art Play near Shoreditch offers sensory and creative art classes specifically aimed at babies and toddlers exploring textures and colours for the first time. The studio provides a bright, safe space for the youngest Londoners to start their artistic journey.
- Classes are generally aimed at under-fives
- Very high parent rating across thousands of reviews
- Offers taster sessions to try the experience
With classes spanning from preschool to secondary age, this London centre provides a continuous pathway for artistic development in a central location.
Operating centrally in London, the Sunny Art Centre provides various art programmes for preschoolers through to secondary students. This centre hosts regular sessions where children can develop skills in painting and drawing with experienced instructors.
- Central WC2B location is convenient for many
- Covers a broad age spectrum in their art classes
- Review volume suggests a consistent local presence
This SE1 venue hosts multiple art classes for children, offering a variety of styles depending on which partner organization is using the space.
The Artworks Classrooms in the SE1 area host various children's art activities, providing studio space for different art class providers. Parents can find ongoing programmes here for primary and secondary age children looking for creative time in London.
- This is a venue, check partner sites for booking
- Located near London Bridge in the SE1 area
- Rated 4.3 by visitors to the venue
While more known for exhibitions, this prestigious Piccadilly institution occasionally releases family and children's art classes, offering a unique experience.
The Royal Academy of Arts in Piccadilly sometimes hosts dedicated art workshops and courses for children, often during school holidays, engaging young primary and secondary artists. While known for exhibitions, check their events schedule for regular or term-time art instruction in London.
- Focus often shifts to holiday programmes
- Central Piccadilly location is easy to access
- Look for family-focused Saturday/Sunday sessions
The National Gallery provides numerous free, drop-in art sessions in Trafalgar Square, perfect for spontaneous, high-quality artistic exploration for kids.
The National Gallery near Trafalgar Square runs frequent free drop-in art activities where children can respond to famous paintings on display. These sessions are excellent for all ages, from toddlers upwards, offering accessible, creativity-boosting fun in central London.
- Many family activities are completely free to attend
- Focus is on responding to existing artworks
- Check website for term-time weekly schedules
The Wimbledon centre follows the art-K system, offering structured, term-based art lessons for primary and older children in the SW19 area.
Offering structured art classes in Wimbledon, this branch of art-K provides term-long courses for primary and secondary children developing their drawing and painting skills. The setting in SW19 allows local families regular access to skill-based art tuition.
- Part of a structured national art curriculum
- Location in Wimbledon is convenient for SW19
- Check for taster sessions before enrolling
With small group sizes, this NW3 art provider ensures focused attention for primary and secondary kids on their creative projects.
Creative Young Artists runs art programmes in the NW3 area, focusing on small group tuition for children across primary and secondary age bands. This provider in North London is noted for engaging sessions that foster individual creativity and artistic exploration.
- Small class sizes are noted in the area
- Classes appear concentrated in the NW3 postcode
- Look for weekend or after-school availability
This SW1Y art school focuses on small group tuition, giving primary and secondary students detailed guidance on their creative work from Miss Bird.
Miss Bird's School of Art provides specialist art lessons in a central London location near Oxendon Street for preschool through secondary pupils. The school focuses on smaller groups, allowing for more tailored feedback on painting and drawing projects for young London artists.
- Central London location is accessible for many
- Small group sizes promote one-on-one guidance
- Check the website for term availability
This West London school of art offers ongoing tuition for children from preschool upwards, focusing on developing fundamental drawing abilities.
The London School of Art near Earls Court Road runs art classes suitable for preschool, primary, and secondary-aged children in West London. They structure their term-time lessons around developing core skills like drawing, providing a consistent learning environment.
- Classes are held in the Earls Court area
- The curriculum covers different artistic skills
- Contact by phone for current schedules
This Battersea-based art school has a 5-star rating and offers consistent, term-based art classes for primary and secondary children in SW11.
Lavender Leonardos runs engaging art classes in Battersea, catering to a wide range of ages from preschool up to secondary school students. These term-based sessions in the SW11 area encourage creativity through experimentation with diverse art materials.
- Located within the Battersea Business Centre
- Offers sessions for various school age groups
- Rated 5.0 based on many parent reviews
These small group art classes near Emperor's Gate have a perfect rating and offer specific sessions tailored for toddlers and younger primary children.
Art Barn Classes in the SW7 area of London provides small group art sessions, including dedicated classes for toddlers and preschool children. The small class sizes ensure that younger artists receive individual guidance during their creative exploration.
- Focus seems strong for younger age groups
- Located in the South Kensington area
- Check website for term structure and pricing
art-K Hampstead runs a comprehensive programme allowing children to achieve accredited certificates through their structured, term-based art classes.
The art-K studio in Hampstead provides engaging art lessons for children, covering painting, drawing, and sculpture with a unique curriculum. These small group sessions allow for focused attention as children develop artistic skills from preschool up to secondary age.
- Part of a larger London network of centres
- Focus on developing core artistic skills
- Check website for specific session times and age splits
This art-K branch in Greenwich offers a popular, structured art education path for children, recognised by their termly certificate system.
Explore colourful kids art classes in Greenwich with art-K, running programmes for preschool, primary, and older children using a variety of materials. The dedicated studio space supports creative experimentation in a supportive small group setting.
- Term-based commitment encourages consistent learning
- Located in the Greenwich area for easy reach
- Check their site for specific age-group timetables
art-K Wandsworth follows the accredited curriculum across the art-K group, allowing children to work toward formal achievements in their art classes.
Structured kids art classes in Wandsworth are available at art-K, offering comprehensive tuition in drawing and painting for all ages from preschool onwards. The small group format supports the centre's goal of helping every child achieve their artistic potential.
- Check for specific after school or weekend slots
- Wandsworth base offers local options for SW London
- Part of the well-known art-K franchise network
&ART in Peckham is noted for its commitment to a creative, process-led approach in its term-time art lessons for primary and secondary kids.
This studio provides engaging art classes for children in Peckham, encouraging exploration through drawing, painting, and mixed media projects. The sessions are designed to foster an imaginative approach to art for primary and secondary age groups.
- Check for term start dates and holiday availability
- Bellenden Road area offers local community access
- Focus on building a strong, creative portfolio
The Fulham centre offers a proven, progressive art curriculum that helps children build a substantial portfolio of work across their primary and secondary years.
Parents seeking structured kids art classes in Fulham can find term-time programmes covering drawing and painting for various age groups at art-K. This local branch integrates into the wider art-K curriculum for progression and achievement.
- Part of a trusted nationwide art education group
- Check for after-school session availability in Fulham
- Focus on developing concrete art skills over a term
art-K Putney provides a consistent, high-quality structure in its term-time art classes, offering a clear pathway for children to develop their creative talents.
Structured art lessons for children in Putney are held here, covering drawing, painting, and sculpture for ages ranging from preschool to secondary. The term-based system helps young artists build a strong foundation in artistic technique.
- Term structure suits regular weekly commitments
- Putney location is convenient for local families
- Follows the accredited art-K syllabus for progression
This central London art studio, art-K Angel, successfully blends a structured teaching methodology with creative freedom for its young students.
Children's art classes in Angel are available through art-K, providing a curriculum-based approach to drawing and painting for primary and secondary students. The small groups in this Islington studio allow tutors to give individual creative guidance.
- Convenient location in the Angel Islington area
- Term-long classes promote consistent skill building
- All materials are generally included in the term fee
This London Bridge provider offers a highly-rated experience that bridges structured learning with a social, club-like atmosphere for older children.
Art Social Club runs engaging, term-based art lessons for primary and secondary school children near London Bridge, focusing on contemporary art practice and creative expression. The studio setting encourages collaborative projects and individual skill building in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Located close to London Bridge transport hub
- Excellent rating from a significant number of reviewers
- Focus on practical making in a social setting
This Willesden Green provider focuses purely on the needs of toddlers and preschoolers, offering early sensory art experiences with a high rating.
Baby Artiste provides dedicated art sessions for toddlers and preschoolers in Willesden Green, encouraging sensory exploration through paint and texture. The small group setting in St Mark's Hall is ideal for very young children learning to express themselves creatively.
- Specifically caters to the youngest age bracket
- Located in the Willesden Green NW10 area
- Session numbers appear to be kept very small
The curriculum is designed to build core technical skills progressively, with structured class levels suitable for ongoing development for children aged 4 to 16.
This studio provides structured kids art classes in Hampstead, focusing on developing drawing, painting, and sculpting skills through a comprehensive curriculum. Children explore various media and techniques in small groups, building a portfolio of work as they progress through the curriculum.
- Termly commitment required for structured learning
- Curriculum covers drawing, painting, and sculpture
- Trial class available for new students
This provider focuses heavily on early years development through art, offering specific sessions targeting sensory play for toddlers from 18 months upwards.
Mini Picassos runs engaging art classes in London, specifically designed for younger children, including fun messy play sessions for toddlers and more structured art lessons for older primary-aged kids. They encourage sensory exploration and creativity, helping little ones build confidence with materials.
- Specialises in classes for ages 18 months to 7 years
- Offers drop in sessions on certain days
- All materials and aprons are provided
Access to creative activities run within the historic walls of the Royal Academy, offering inspiration drawn from major professional art exhibitions and collections.
The Royal Academy of Arts hosts family days and dedicated kids' activities in Piccadilly, often inspired by their current exhibitions and drawing on the heritage of the institution. These sessions provide access to a world-class art environment for London families looking for accessible creative input.
- Events are often free, though booking is essential
- Activities link directly to RA exhibitions
- Located centrally in central London
This school maintains a strong local presence in West London, offering balanced teaching that combines technical guidance with encouragement for individual creative expression for older children.
The Chiswick Art School provides art tuition for children in Chiswick, using their dedicated studio space to teach foundational skills in drawing and painting to primary and secondary students. They foster a nurturing atmosphere where young artists can develop their personal style through guided practice.
- Classes are held in a bright, dedicated studio
- Offers term time classes and holiday workshops
- Focus on drawing and painting fundamentals
As a community run school, this provides long term, accessible art education in the Hampstead area, often having slightly lower fees than purely commercial alternatives.
The Hampstead School of Art offers accessible children's classes in Hampstead, part of a long standing community art hub serving local families with creative outlets. Children work in a well equipped setting learning various artistic techniques suitable for their developmental stage.
- Part of a well established local community art school
- Fees are often kept accessible compared to private schools
- Check term schedules as they align with academic calendars
The Tate Kids online portal offers a wealth of free, high quality art activity ideas that are directly inspired by world famous works housed in the Tate galleries.
Tate Kids provides fantastic free resources and activity ideas online, connecting children across London to inspiration from the Tate collection, spanning drawing prompts and virtual tours. While not a physical class, their projects are excellent for home learning or supplementing structured kids art classes.
- Primarily an online resource, not a regular class
- Connects kids to major national art collections
- Activities are highly varied and adaptable for home
Taught entirely by professional artists in small groups, this provider ensures highly tailored feedback for children taking their art lessons seriously across primary and secondary years.
Cygnets Art School runs small group art classes in London, offering a structured and nurturing environment for children from preschool through secondary age to learn observational drawing and painting skills. Taught by practicing professional artists, the focus is on deep engagement and technique development.
- Small class sizes ensure individual attention
- Taught by actively practicing professional artists
- Trial sessions are offered before term commitment
This gallery offers a community focused, low cost way for families to engage directly with contemporary art concepts through hands on making sessions.
The South London Gallery provides family days and specific learning programmes for children in South London, using the gallery space to inspire creative activities connected to contemporary art. These sessions are usually very accessible, often being free or very low cost entry points to gallery learning.
- Workshops often connect to current gallery exhibitions
- Low cost entry points for families
- Check their schedule for specific weekend family activities
With multiple locations across North London, this provider offers consistent, curriculum based kids art classes in community halls suitable for continuous learning across the school year.
Kids Art UK runs numerous art classes across North London, including locations in Muswell Hill and Finchley, providing a structured syllabus for primary and secondary children to master drawing and painting techniques. They utilise various community spaces for their after school and weekend art lessons.
- Extensive network of venues across North London
- Focus on structured skill building in drawing and painting
- Trial class offered before enrolling for a term
This provider specialises in playful, tactile art activities perfectly suited for toddlers and early years children in the West London area, ensuring a hands on experience.
Paperbirds offers fun, hands on art classes in London, focusing on vibrant, playful creative sessions that suit toddlers and younger primary school children developing their fine motor skills. The classes encourage experimentation with texture and colour in a supportive Fulham area studio.
- Great option for classes catering to younger ages
- Uses engaging, tactile materials for sensory development
- Located in West London with termly enrolment
Based in Chiswick, this school excels in delivering highly personalised art lessons for toddlers and younger primary children due to its strict small group limit.
Art with Little Pics runs small, nurturing kids art classes in Chiswick, designed to build creativity and confidence in toddlers and preschool children using varied, age appropriate materials. The small group setting allows for close guidance for every child exploring colour and shape.
- Classes are kept to a very small group size
- Specialises in art for toddlers and preschoolers
- Offers a trial session before signing up for a term
This provider offers dedicated, structured art lessons for children spanning from preschool through secondary school ages in the North London area.
Kids Do Art offers engaging art classes in London for primary and secondary school children, operating from the Sternberg Centre among other locations in North London. The programme encourages exploration of various media, providing structured learning outside of school hours for consistent artistic development.
- Runs consistent term time courses for older kids
- Trial class booking is usually available
- Utilises community spaces in North London
The art-K method uses a unique, positive teaching structure to help young artists grow their confidence and technique across various mediums.
Explore creative art classes for children in Hackney where structured lessons build skills term by term. This location develops artistic techniques through drawing, painting, and sculpture in a supportive environment. These art lessons for primary and secondary age groups are popular locally.
- Classes run after school and on weekends
- Focus is on structured, progressive art skills
- Check website for current term dates and availability
This Shepherd's Bush centre offers a positive, structured approach to teaching painting and drawing techniques to young London artists.
Find engaging art classes for children in Shepherd's Bush, following the structured art-K curriculum for progressive skill building. This studio provides after school and weekend sessions for various age groups exploring painting and drawing. The small group format supports individual attention in these kids art classes.
- Term-based structure helps track artistic development
- Small group sizes encourage focused creative work
- Check their schedule for current after school slots
This school puts emphasis on fundamental art skills, making it a strong choice for developing serious artistic ability in primary and secondary children.
Little Artists provides dedicated art classes for children near New Malden, encouraging exploration across different artistic mediums. Their programme helps young students develop technical drawing and painting skills in a supportive setting. These after school art lessons focus on quality creative output rather than simple crafting.
- Offers sequential learning for primary and older kids
- Located in New Malden, serving surrounding areas
- Focuses on developing drawing and painting ability
A distinct London cultural resource celebrating British animation and comics, providing inspiration alongside potential craft activities for older kids.
The Cartoon Museum in Fitzrovia houses a unique collection celebrating British cartoon and comic art, offering an alternative to standard drawing lessons. While primarily a museum, they often host drop-in family workshops perfect for kids primary age and older exploring illustration. This is a great cultural stop for inspiration near central London.
- Mostly a museum, check for specific kids workshops
- Entrance fee required for museum access
- Centrally located for a cultural day out
This Dulwich art school emphasizes expressive, process-led art making for primary and secondary kids, offering a more fluid approach to making.
The Arts Factory in Dulwich offers expressive art classes for primary and secondary children, focusing on creative exploration in a friendly setting. Sessions often incorporate a range of materials allowing young artists to develop their unique style. This provider runs regular after school and weekend slots near East Dulwich.
- Offers trial sessions before full term booking
- Run from the Goose Green Centre in Dulwich
- Focus on creative expression and varied mediums
The inclusion of dedicated toddler art sessions and the use of outdoor spaces provides a unique, sensory-rich environment for early creativity.
Art in the Village offers vibrant art classes for toddlers, preschool, and primary age children in the Barnes area, often taking inspiration from nature. Their sessions encourage tactile exploration using a variety of materials suitable for younger hands. This provider maintains a friendly community feel for these local kids art classes.
- Classes are available for children from age 2
- Incorporates outdoor elements when the weather allows
- Term booking structure for consistent weekly attendance
This Deptford provider offers a broad spectrum of art lessons suitable for most school-aged children, maintaining consistency across various skill levels.
London Art Classes hosts art lessons for children across the primary and secondary age range near Deptford, covering fundamental drawing and painting skills. They provide a welcoming studio atmosphere for kids art classes focusing on foundational techniques. Regular after school and weekend slots are available for local families.
- Catches a broad age range from preschool upwards
- Focus on developing core drawing and painting skills
- Located in the Deptford area of South East London
This franchise branch excels in sensory and creative play art sessions specifically designed for babies and toddlers in the Teddington vicinity.
ARTventurers provides engaging, sensory-based kids art classes throughout the Teddington and Richmond areas, ideal for toddlers and preschoolers exploring textures. These sessions allow very young children to experiment freely with paint and craft materials. The focus is on fun and sensory development rather than formal instruction.
- Great for sensory play for the under-five group
- Covers Teddington, Twickenham, and Hampton areas
- Structured around term or block bookings
KidsArtRoom runs project-based kids art classes across multiple London sites, suitable for beginners and those wanting to build a tangible portfolio.
KidsArtRoom offers comprehensive art programmes for primary and secondary school children across various London locations, encouraging exploration of diverse techniques. Their classes are project-based, allowing students to develop a portfolio of completed artworks. This offers structured learning for kids art classes outside of school hours.
- Check website for class locations across London
- Structured projects help children complete works
- Suitable for a wide range of primary and secondary ages
This Hayes-based provider is geared towards making the initial art experience positive and fun for preschoolers and early primary students.
Little Painter provides vibrant art classes for preschool and primary children near Hayes, focusing on a fun, relaxed introduction to creativity. Youngsters get hands-on experience with painting and craft in these engaging kids art classes. The studio environment is designed to nurture the first steps into artistic expression.
- Specialises in younger age groups, preschool to primary
- Runs term-time classes in the Hayes, Bromley area
- Focuses on making the creative experience enjoyable
The Teddington art-K studio provides a structured, medium-sized group setting for children looking to develop systematic drawing and painting skills.
This art-K centre in Teddington delivers structured art classes for children, covering drawing and painting techniques for all school ages. Term-based learning helps primary and secondary students build their artistic foundation systematically. These kids art classes are held after school and on weekends in this part of London.
- Follows the consistent art-K progressive method
- Located in the Teddington area of South West London
- After school and weekend class times available
Operating from the Hackney City Farm, this provider gives young artists an unusual, inspiring setting for their structured drawing and painting tuition.
Hackney Fine Arts offers creative kids art classes situated at the charming Hackney City Farm, providing a unique backdrop for inspiration. These sessions cater to primary and secondary children who want to develop traditional artistic skills in a varied environment. The setting allows for outdoor elements in these interesting Hackney art lessons.
- Classes benefit from the unique farm environment
- Suitable for a broad range of school-aged children
- Check their programme for term dates and focus
The Carshalton studio provides a medium-sized group setting where children build confidence and skill systematically across primary and secondary years.
This art-K centre in Carshalton offers structured art classes for primary and secondary age children, following a proven curriculum. Kids art classes here focus on developing drawing and painting skills through progressive term-based learning. It serves the Carshalton community with quality after school creative opportunities.
- Follows the standard art-K curriculum for progression
- Term-based commitment is usually required
- Located in the Carshalton area
This Wimbledon provider is highly specialised, offering dedicated, hands-on art sessions exclusively for toddlers and very young children.
Tot Art provides focused art workshops near Wimbledon specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, emphasizing sensory exploration and creative fun. These messy play art sessions allow the youngest participants to engage with materials freely. It is a great option for parents seeking stimulating daytime activities for their toddlers in SW19.
- Exclusively for toddlers and preschool aged children
- Located in the Wimbledon area SW19
- Expect a fun, messy, and sensory-rich experience
The Art-K method is used across multiple London locations, offering a consistent approach to teaching art to children from preschool age upwards.
This centre provides structured kids art classes in Bowes Park, covering drawing and painting skills for various age groups. The programme encourages individual development while following a set curriculum for progression through different techniques.
- Follows a recognised skills-based programme
- Classes available after school and on weekends
- Focus on core drawing and painting skills
The sessions aim for creative freedom, moving beyond simple copy work to foster genuinely experimental approaches to art for young people.
Explore creative and experimental kids art classes with ArtistAnd, suitable for a range of ages exploring painting and drawing. This London-based provider focuses on encouraging unique artistic voices through hands-on exploration.
- Focus on individual artistic expression
- Contact via phone or website for class locations
- Positive feedback on class atmosphere
The connection to outdoor spaces in their art teaching makes this a distinctive option for children aged around 3 to 11 in South London.
Art in the Park offers engaging kids art classes situated within South London green spaces, perfect for children who enjoy combining creativity with the outdoors. These sessions allow primary age children to draw inspiration directly from nature and the surrounding environment.
- Classes often incorporate natural elements
- Location within a park setting is unique
- Check website for current term dates and location
This South Ealing branch consistently receives positive feedback for its structured, skills-based approach to teaching art to children and teens.
Find structured kids art classes in South Ealing, following the Art-K method for consistent skill building in drawing and painting. This centre supports primary and secondary students with dedicated after school sessions.
- Consistent methodology across all Art-K branches
- Good for building a strong foundational art vocabulary
- Check for specific age group scheduling
A vibrant setting in South East London where children work on large scale, expressive art projects, often using varied and exciting media.
Art Stars runs engaging art sessions for children in the Dulwich area, focusing on expressive and project-based learning for primary school ages. The classes use high quality materials to create bold, imaginative pieces.
- Sessions use plenty of vibrant materials
- Check the timetable for after school availability
- Focus on making finished, impressive pieces
A dependable option in Wimbledon Chase providing continuity in art education through a structured, age-appropriate drawing and painting syllabus.
This Wimbledon Chase branch offers the full Art-K curriculum of kids art classes, supporting young artists through drawing and painting development. The schedule typically covers after school slots for primary and secondary students.
- Offers the consistent Art-K framework
- Check venue for specific session times
- Serves the local Wimbledon Chase community
Tuition is delivered by working professional artists, offering children in Chiswick an insight into contemporary art practice alongside foundational skills.
Sans Art offers high-quality kids art classes in Chiswick, often held in beautiful surroundings like Chiswick House and Gardens. The curriculum is designed by professional artists to develop genuine artistic skill in children.
- Professional artist tuition is a key feature
- Offers trial sessions to sample the classes
- Beautiful settings are often used for inspiration
This East London organisation prioritises community access and affordability, making art activities available to a broader range of families across various ages.
Arts For All champions accessible kids art in East London, providing a broad range of creative activities for toddlers through to secondary age. This organisation often works on community-focused projects with varied session structures.
- Focus is on accessibility for all families
- Contact required for current venue schedules
- Welcomes a wide age spectrum from toddlers upwards
The emphasis on small group sizes in this South London setting allows for detailed, one-on-one guidance on complex art projects for older kids.
Heart in Art Workshops delivers focused art classes in Central South London, perfect for older primary and secondary students seeking more in depth tuition. The small group size ensures high levels of individual attention during painting and drawing projects.
- Extremely small group sizes ensure personal feedback
- Weekend sessions are available for older children
- Located in the SE1 area
This North London provider keeps its kids art classes engaging through a varied selection of materials and creative projects, appealing to younger primary students.
Creative Wiz Kids provides lively after school art classes in North London, engaging primary aged children with a wide spectrum of media. This programme aims to keep the learning process fun and accessible for every child.
- Good range of art activities offered
- North London location in the NW3 area
- Focus on enjoyment alongside learning
While premium in price, this Central London art school offers a more serious, pre-vocational pathway for secondary students aiming for art school auditions.
The Art Academy in Central London offers more intensive art tuition, primarily geared towards secondary students preparing serious portfolios for art college entry. The curriculum involves dedicated study of drawing and painting techniques.
- Strong focus on pathway to further art education
- Located centrally near Bankside
- Fees reflect the specialist, focused tuition
A hybrid offering that merges traditional visual arts with aspects of film creation, appealing to older children interested in media arts.
This programme combines visual art skills with filmmaking for children and teens in North London, offering a unique creative outlet. Although the primary link promotes holiday camps, ongoing classes may be available for this combined art and media offering.
- Unique combination of art and film exploration
- Check linktree for current class schedules
- Located in the Tottenham/N17 area
This Highams Park branch provides the familiar, skills-based Art-K framework locally, offering a reliable after school option for children in East London.
The art classes in Highams Park follow the consistent Art-K format, teaching drawing and painting techniques to primary and secondary students after school. This provides a local, structured art education pathway in East London.
- Rating is slightly lower than some peers
- Follows the standardised Art-K syllabus
- Located in the E4 Highams Park area
This Norwood centre offers focused art courses that blend with a larger art school environment, providing a strong technical foundation for older children.
While the main site may focus on adult tuition, this Norwood provider has listed art courses for children, often running parallel to adult sessions. Expect focused tuition on technique, suitable for primary and secondary ages.
- Located in the South East Norwood area
- Check website for dedicated youth schedules
- May share venue space with adult classes
For seriously dedicated older secondary students, this established Kennington art school offers an unparalleled legacy and standard in creative learning.
The historic City & Guilds of London Art School in Kennington runs art programmes and short courses that can sometimes include older secondary school students. This venue offers a deeply established environment for serious art study.
- Prestigious London art institution venue
- Primarily for older, committed secondary students
- Check for specific Saturday or short course programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do kids art classes cost in London?
The cost varies considerably; budget options, often found at museums or community centres, can be free or very low cost. Most dedicated term-time classes fall into the mid-price band, typically ranging from about £14 to £20 per session. Premium classes, especially those with very small group sizes or specialist tuition for older students, may start closer to £25 or more per hour.
What age can kids start art in London?
The offerings are extensive across the age spectrum. Many providers cater to toddlers starting from 18 months or two years old, focusing heavily on sensory materials and early exploration. Structured lessons then flow continuously from preschool right through the secondary school years, with some advanced academies focusing solely on teens aged 13 and older.
What should I look for in a beginner art class?
For a child new to formal classes, look for small group sizes, as this guarantees more direct guidance and patience from the instructor. Classes that incorporate a mix of media, rather than focusing too narrowly on just one skill initially, are also helpful for discovering natural inclinations. Checking if they offer holiday workshops or single sessions before signing up for a full term is always wise.
Can my child try a art class before committing?
Trial availability is not universal, so it requires checking individual listings. Some providers offer a trial session for a small fee or sometimes for free to ensure the environment is a good fit before requiring term booking. Others, particularly those running fixed, skills-based curriculums, may only permit joining at the start of a new term.
Where in London can I find kids art classes?
Coverage is wide, though central and affluent South West London postcodes appear to have a high density of specialised studios, especially in areas like Chiswick, Wimbledon, and Hampstead. However, numerous providers operate from community centres across East and North London, ensuring that most neighbourhoods have local mid-range options available.
What is the difference between structured and process-led classes?
Structured classes, often seen in providers following a set curriculum, focus on teaching specific technical skills like perspective or colour theory across various mediums; these are good for developing technique and potentially for pre-college preparation. Process-led classes prioritise the child's creative journey and expression, valuing experimentation and exploration over a specific final outcome, which suits children who thrive on freedom and fun.
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