Theatre Peckham Academy (3-16 yrs)

Inspiring Creativity and Ambition


New Academic Year 2026 – 2027

VIEW CLASS CALENDAR TO BOOK YOUR PLACE

About the Academy

Theatre Peckham celebrates 40 years of inspiring children to Imagine, Create and Shine. We deliver exceptional performing arts training that nurtures a love for creativity through self-expression, teamwork, and play, building confidence and providing a clear pathway into the creative industries.

Through a dynamic mix of self-expression, teamwork, and play, we support children in developing a lifelong passion for the arts, while creating pathways into the creative industries. Our classes are open to ages 3-16, with progression opportunities up to age 29 through our YOUNG PECKHAM PROGRAMME.

EVERY STUDENT HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM LIVE ON OUR STAGE, with many taking part in OUR ANNUAL FESTIVE PRODUCTIONS ALONGSIDE PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS.

Theatre Peckham is a charity. We are here for our community and we are passionate about making a real difference.  

A Quick Guide for Parents & Carers

We know that joining a new class can feel like a big step for children and parents alike! At Theatre Peckham, our classes are designed to help young people grow in confidence, independence, creativity and social skills, while learning and having fun alongside others their own age. Our professional tutors and assistants are experienced in working with children and young people and are there to support every student throughout their Academy journey.

Going into class independently – Students take part in Academy classes without their parent/carer in the room. Please bring your child inside the venue and allow our Academy team to welcome them and take them into class. Giving young people this space helps them settle into their group, connect with their peers, build confidence and participate independently. Parents/carers are not permitted to watch classes unless invited by a member of Academy staff.

For our youngest students (ages 3–5) – We ask parents/carers to remain in the Theatre Peckham foyer during the class, so you are nearby if your child needs your assistance, including when using the toilet. They will still take part in the class independently with their tutor and group.

How did they get on? – We know you may want to hear how your child is settling in or progressing. If you would like feedback from their tutor, please speak to our Academy Coordinator, who can arrange this with the teaching team. This allows our tutors to focus fully on their students and classes while making sure parents remain part of their child’s Academy journey.

Arriving on time – Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the class begins, giving students enough time to get ready. Students arriving 10 minutes or more after the class has started may not be able to join, at the tutor’s discretion. This is particularly important for their safety and to avoid disrupting the learning of the group.

Tell us what your child needs – Every young person is different. Please let the Academy team know about any additional needs or information that may help us support your child during their time with us. We want every student to feel safe, included and able to thrive.

Finding the right class – We want every young person to feel confident, supported and able to thrive at Theatre Peckham. While parents/carers choose a class when booking, our tutors and Academy team will also consider how each student is settling into their group and responding to the pace, content and learning environment of the class. Occasionally, we may feel that a young person would benefit more from a different Academy class. This may be based on factors including their age, experience, individual development, confidence, the pace or level of the class, the curriculum being delivered, or the needs and dynamics of the wider group. Where this happens, the Academy team will review the placement and speak with the parent/carer to explain our observations and the reasons for the proposed change. In some circumstances, where we believe that moving to a different class would better support a young person’s learning, wellbeing and continued development, the Academy may decide that a change of class is the most appropriate next step. Any decision to move a student is made carefully and collaboratively by the Academy team. It is not a judgement of a young person’s ability or potential, but part of our responsibility to ensure that every student is placed in an environment where they can develop, participate confidently and have the best possible experience at Theatre Peckham.

For more useful information before attending, please see our Tips for Attending Academy Classes below and read our Academy Terms & Conditions.

Our 2026/27 Academy Timetable

VIEW OUR 2026/27 TIMETABLE AND TERM DATES

Please note, registration for current students opens from the week commencing 6th July 2026. Registration for new students opens from week commencing 20th July 2026.  

If you have any questions about the Theatre Peckham Academy programme, please contact our Academy Coordinator membership@theatrepeckham.co.uk.

A Place to Begin – and Grow

For many young people, Theatre Peckham is their first experience of the arts. We are proud to support their journey over the long term, helping them grow in skill, confidence and creativity. 

Learning and art-making go hand in hand in everything we do. 

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS: 2026 marks 40 YEARS OF THEATRE PECKHAM – four decades of nurturing talent and serving our COMMUNITY.

Join us as we celebrate our past, embrace the present, and shape the future of theatre. 

Expect a year of SPECIAL PROGRAMMING, performances, and partnerships across our 2 stages, bringing together families, schools, and audiences from across London. 

Cheers to 40 years! 

Awards & Recognition

THEATRE PECKHAM IS PROUD TO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE MUSIC AND DRAMA EDUCATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATRE. The award recognises our commitment to artistic excellence, social change and the empowerment of young creatives that we offer through our Academy training. 

Read more here.

Theatre Peckham is part of the Jack Petchey Achievement Award under the Gold scheme. Jack Petchey Achievement Award winners are young people who have gone above and beyond to achieve. Each year young people select their peers to be nominated for the award because of their dedication and exceptional work done within the group. 

Read more here.

Do you enjoy the arts, like to be creative and have a strong passion for taking leadership? 

THEATRE PECKHAM IS PROUDLY AN ARTS AWARD CENTRE. The arts award qualification is designed to inspire young people up to the age of 25 to grow their art skills and leadership talents. We offer support to young people so they can complete their discover award all the way to achieving their gold (which accumulates UCAS POINTS). You can be the creator or performer of your own work or develop your skills in essential roles like marketing or stage management. 

Theatre Peckham is proud to have been a finalist for the Supporting Young Londoner Award at the London Sport Awards 2025. It was an honour to stand alongside so many inspiring individuals and organisations making a real difference.

Read more here.

Theatre Peckham is proud to have been recognised for the 2nd year in a row for the Music and Drama Education Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre. The award recognises our commitment to artistic excellence, social change and the empowerment of young creatives that we offer through our Academy training.

Meet the Academy Team

We have a team of dedicated professionals who will support and nurture your child on their artistic journey. We work with excellent professionals from the industry to offer the best training to our students. Our tutors and assistants have training in the craft they are teaching, having worked with children and young people, performed on stage, in front of the camera, TV, Film, performed in the UK and on international stages.  

MEET THE ACADEMY TEAM

Benefits of the Programme & Partnerships

Our programme is designed to support young people both artistically and personally. The skills children will learn at the Academy are not only used in the classroom. We support children and young people to grow and develop into amazing adults that will contribute positively to our communities and in society. Everyone is unique. We provide a safe, inclusive environment where every young person can thrive at their own pace. 

Theatre Peckham: 

  • facilitates growth in children and young people. 
  • motivates their progression. 
  • provides tools and opportunities. 
  • addresses the societal imbalance. 

Expert Advice for parents on how Theatre Peckham can help their child/ren be more confident and sociable.   

At Theatre Peckham we understand the importance of the development of children. Below we gathered useful information on how our activities will support your child’s learning and growth.   

Self-Esteem Development    

As children grow, self-esteem can grow too. Any time children try things, do things, and learn things that can be a chance for self-esteem to grow. Students participating in our classes will benefit by:  

  • Making progress toward a goal by participating in our yearly curriculum.   
  • Making new friends by socialising during our activities.   
  • Learning new skills, such as teamwork, spatial awareness, artistic skills.   
  • Learning how to be inclusive and accepting of others.  
  • Feeling understood and accepted.   

At Theatre Peckham we offer to:   

Support students to find their passion by exploring their own interests. As we celebrate their effort by providing internal exams, the chance to perform on our stage, casting opportunities, routes into the industry, and certification of participation at the end of the academic year.  

How out-of-school activities such as Theatre Peckham Academy impact positively the lives of children and young people by:   

  • Enhancing cardiometabolic health. 
  • Enhancing mental well-being, including positive self-esteem and lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. 
  • Improving concentration, attention, and time management skills. 
  • Improving confidence and peer acceptance. 
  • Improving academic performance. 
  • Developing their social, emotional and communication skills. 
  • Developing their concept of maintaining a commitment to something. 

Sources from: Nemours Kids Health organisation. Medically reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD, Date reviewed: July 2018 and London public Health England (United Kingdom Government) in March 2022.   

Vain, Claire. ‘All about the Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for Children.’ CPD Online College, 15th January 2025. https://cpdonline.co.uk/knowledge-base/safeguarding/all-about-the-benefits-of-extracurricular-activities-for-children. 

At Theatre Peckham we understand the importance of the development of children. Below we gathered useful information on how our activities will support your child’s learning and growth.  

Self-Esteem Development  

As children grow, self-esteem can grow too. “ANY TIME CHILDREN TRY THINGS, DO THINGS, AND LEARN THINGS” it can be a chance for self-esteem to grow (Araujo). 

Students benefit from: 

  • Improved confidence and self-esteem 
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills 
  • Enhanced creativity and self-expression 
  • Opportunities for performance and progression 

At Theatre Peckham we offer to: 

Support students to find their passion by exploring their own interests. As we celebrate their effort by providing internal exams, THE CHANCE TO PERFORM ON OUR STAGE, casting opportunities, routes into the industry, and certification of participation at the end of the academic year. We collaborate with THE LORAINE HUDSON AGENCY to offer representation to interested students. 

Out-of-school activities such as Theatre Peckham Academy impact positively the lives of children and young people by: 

  • Enhancing cardiometabolic health. 
  • Improving concentration, attention, and time management skills. 
  • Improving confidence and peer acceptance. 
  • Improving academic performance. 
  • Developing their social, emotional and communication skills. 
  • Developing their concept of maintaining a commitment to something. 

Sources from:  

WE ARE PROUD TO PARTNER WITH CENTRAL SCHOOL OF BALLET, offering students PATHWAYS INTO PROFESSIONAL BALLET TRAINING, including access to showcases and scholarship opportunities. For more information on the partnership, read our News article.

Becoming a Theatre Peckham Academy Member

Our Academy members are at the very heart of Theatre Peckham. Learn more about Membership below.

Our Academy members are at the very heart of Theatre Peckham. 

Become part of the TP Academy community and get: 

  • Access to ALL ACADEMY CLASSES (see our timeline at the top of the page!)
  • Free workshops and training sessions 
  • Priority booking and exclusive offers 

GET INVOLVED!

Membership: £25 per ACADEMIC YEAR* (£2.08 a month). Plus, you HELP SUPPORT THE VITAL CHARITABLE WORK WE ARE DOING IN OUR COMMUNITY - thank you! 

*(September-July) 

Our students have the opportunity to opt-in for our very own Theatre Peckham Internal Exams. If they choose to do so, the young person will receive a mark, personalised feedback, and certificate at the end of the year, based on their overall performance. The exams have been devised and created together with the Head of Academy and Anna Morgan  F.I.S.T.D. A.R.A.D. in 2021 with the aim to offer children and young people structured feedback on their progress and performance. This aims to support the children and young people’s development and understanding of their creative journey.  

They will be assessed against 4 criteria:   

1) Progress, 2) Research, 3) Technique and 4) Creativity. 

If interested please contact our Academy Coordinator on membership@theatrepeckham.co.uk.  

This year's theme is: LONDON: OUR CITY, OUR STORIES

LONDON IS ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITIES IN THE WORLD, a place where history, creativity and communities come together to tell extraordinary stories. This year, Theatre Peckham Academy invites our students to explore the city we call home and celebrate everything that makes London unique. 

Through this theme, students will discover the people, places, cultures, music, traditions and histories that have shaped our capital. From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, from the rich heritage of Peckham to the many communities that make up modern London, we encourage our young people to explore the city through their own creative lens. 

London is a city of artists, performers, dreamers and changemakers. It is a place where different voices and perspectives are celebrated and where creativity has the power to bring people together. Through drama, dance, singing, musical theatre and creative expression, our students will have the opportunity to explore themes of IDENTITY, belonging, community, and the many stories that make London such an inspiring place to live. 

As a South London organisation, Theatre Peckham has been at the heart of its local community for four decades, nurturing talent and providing a safe and inclusive space for children and young people to develop their confidence and creativity. This year’s theme reflects our commitment to celebrating the communities around us while encouraging students to take pride in their own experiences and the stories they have to share. 

Throughout the academic year and our end-of-year showcases, students will be encouraged to draw inspiration from any aspect of London that sparks their imagination. Whether inspired by its people, its cultures, its music, its history, its neighbourhoods, or its future, we want every student to discover their own connection to the city and celebrate the role they play in its ever-evolving story. 

Together, we will celebrate London not simply as a place on the map, but as a city of creativity, opportunity and belonging: a city where every young person has a story worth telling.

Important Information

These are the fees per term (each academic year is comprised of three terms). Payment will be made at the start of each term. Parents will complete three payments per year.  

  • 1 hour class - £90 / term  
  • 1.5 hour class - £120 / term
  • 2 hour class - £140 / term 
  • 3 hours class (Y&T Theatre Creators) £180 / term 

Taster session: £10

Membership fee: £25 / academic year  

All fees (including the membership fee) are non-refundable once booked.   

Red TP T-shirts: £20 (Free with membership)*

*One free t-shirt per child / year*.

If you want to purchase another t-shirt once you’ve received one for the year, this will be at the price of £20/t-shirt.

BALLET

Ballet Shoes, Black Leather, full suede sole (Essential)

6(s) – 12(L)

£20

Black Cotton Lycra Chas Unitard (Essential)

00 (4-5Yrs) – 3A (12-13Yrs old)

£20

Red Nylon Lycra Circular Skirt (Not Essential)

Small - Medium Adult

£20

Red Crossover Cardigan (Not Essential)

16, 22, 24, 25, 28, 30, 32, 34

£20

TAP

Black PV Low Heel Tap Shoe (Essential)

7(s) – 9(L)

£30

 

Fee support is available for families receiving BENEFITS (we accept the following: HOUSING BENEFITS, JOBSEEKER’S ALLOWANCE, DISABILITY BENEFITS, and UNIVERSAL CREDIT), please COMPLETE THIS FORM. 

The proof can be a letter from the council, a bill, a letter from the school, etc. The proof must clearly have the name of the parent on it as well as the date must be visible. This must be no earlier than 6 months. 

Applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before term start date.

Applications received after these dates might not be considered.

PARENTS' INFORMATION: It is compulsory for parents to read our Terms and Conditions and Uniform Guidelines. 

To register your child with the Academy, parents must follow these steps: 

  1. Become a member or renew your yearly membership of Theatre Peckham by filling out the registration form and paying the membership fee of only £25 per academic year per child on our platform Class4Kids.
  1. If you have more than 1 child, you must complete one Class4Kids registration form for each child. If parents fail to do so, they will be unable to book the Academy classes.
  1. Once you have completed the online Membership form and paid the £25 fee, you can book your class for your child onto the Academy.
  1. If a child signs up for a class they will stay in that class/age group until the end of the academic year (similar to school). They are not allowed to move up classes between terms (unless instructed by an Academy staff member).

Notice: if Theatre Peckham is required to close due to government advice (such as lockdowns), we will try to continue to deliver the sessions on Zoom; the schedule will be the same. 

Tips for Attending Academy Classes

  • All students should arrive 10-15 minutes before classes begin, this is to ensure they allow themselves an appropriate amount of time to get ready and warm-up. Students who don’t engage in the warm-up risk themselves getting injured.
  • All students who arrive 10 minutes late (or more) from the start of the class may not be allowed to join in. They may instead be asked to watch the class at the tutor’s discretion, or be told to wait in the foyer until they are collected by a parent/guardian. 
  • All students are expected to commit to and regularly attend their classes and any related rehearsals/events. If your child does not attend their class for three consecutive weeks, without notification, they will lose their place in the Academy. 
  • Once a class is booked this cannot be swapped. If this is requested by the parent/guardian, Theatre Peckham will notify the parent if this is possible or not. Theatre Peckham have the right to refuse the swap. 
  • Parents/guardians are not permitted to watch classes unless asked to by a staff member or tutor. 

  • All students, whilst training in the academy, are required to wear the uniform and footwear necessary for their chosen class (please read the uniform guidelines to see what is needed). A uniform is required for all classes, rehearsals, open days or other performances/events. This is to ensure that they are always wearing appropriate clothing for their activities and to ensure that they are comfortable and safe.
  • We advise that members do not wear jewellery for safety reasons. For all classes: we recommend for students with long hair to have it tied back. Especially for the Ballet and Acro classes they must wear their hair tied back to ensure safety and ballet standards.
  • If the students attend classes without the correct uniform, they may not be permitted to participate. If students continually attend without the correct uniform, this may be considered a disciplinary matter.
  • Available to purchase at Theatre Peckham: Ballet shoes, tap shoes, black unitards, red skirts and red cardigans.

You can read our Safeguarding Policy here.

  • At Theatre Peckham we want to promote healthy living, our activities are all orientated to support the healthy growth of students. Food and drinks are important, and we encourage students to eat healthy and drink healthy nutritional food and drinks.  
  • We ask parents to give their child only bottles and not cans, as cans can spill and create a hazard for all students / parents / team. 

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