Every learning journey starts with finding the right support. Some students work with math tutors or general tutors to strengthen specific subjects, while others look for an art school where they can develop their creativity and practical skills.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’ve explored the best art schools in London and highlighted those known for experienced instructors, hands-on programs, and supportive learning environments.
Turn your creativity into something extraordinary.
How much does art school cost in London?
Art school tuition in London typically ranges from £9,790 to £42,700 per year, depending on your residency status and chosen program. International students generally pay higher tuition than UK residents.
| Student Type | Annual Cost Range |
| UK (Home) Students | £9,790 – £16,800 |
| International Students | £20,215 – £42,700 |
How I Reviewed
Global Reputation: I looked at international rankings to find the strongest art schools in London. Schools with a solid reputation for art and design earned higher marks on my list.
Specialist Facilities: I checked the quality of each school’s studios, workshops, and creative equipment. Great facilities give students more chances to practice and improve their skills.
Employer Standing: I looked at how employers rate graduates from each school. Strong industry recognition often means better career opportunities after graduation.
Alumni Success: I reviewed the achievements of former students to see how well each school prepares its graduates. Schools with award-winning alumni and successful artists stood out during my research.
1. Sunny Art Centre
Website: sunnyartcentre.co.uk
Address: Covent Garden, Kemble St
Contact: 020-8616-5990 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunny Art Centre stands out for its classic atelier-style lessons that help students build strong, traditional art skills.
They keep classes small, capped at 10 students, to create a focused space where tutors can offer real feedback and guidance.
Beyond the class setup, the curriculum leans on careful looking to train the eye and sharpen skill over time.
The studio carries a calm, easygoing feel, and booking lessons online makes plans a breeze. Plus, pre-paid packs can be shared with friends, adding more flexibility for regular learners.
Just so you know, lesson fees don’t cover supplies, so bringing your own paint and canvas is a must before you start class.
Customer Reviews
Excellent Introduction to Oil Painting
I have never painted I have no background in artes and Robin my tutor manage to teach me basics in 2 hours and show me how to start my first oil painting.
He was kind and knowledgeable and funny which made the experience very pleasant and less intimidating.
Very cozy art school and the customer service was 10/10.
I’d be back for more.
- Angelica | Google Reviews
Professional and Friendly Art School
I’m very happy to attend this school! Firstly, the Sunny Art Centre is a team of professionals, where each teacher is unique. Secondly, it’s a friendly atmosphere. Thirdly, it’s an aesthetic pleasure to be inside 😍. I’m very happy and glad that once this school was recommended to me and I can be a part of it) I acquire the skills I need in drawing, I saw great and rapid progress, thank you very much for your work and kindness! Highly recommend!
- Liliya Lukyanova | Google Reviews
2. City & Guilds of London Art School
Website: cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
Address: 124 Kennington Park Road
Contact: 44 -020-7735 2306 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
City & Guilds of London Art School builds a hands-on space for artists who want a real, full-time routine.
From what I’ve seen, students get their own work spot and access to special tools, like bronze casting, while the non-profit setup leaves room to grow a true creative style.
Past the studio itself, the school runs rare classes like the country’s only higher-level mosaic course and a full-time carving degree.
Plus, lots of time spent with working pros also gives students real help as their skills grow.
However, the base course gets no state funds, and locking in a spot means fees that don’t come back, so it helps to plan ahead before you sign on.
Customer Review
Unpretentious and Artistic Atmosphere
A good art school, not too pretentious and with well displayed artworks during the degree shows. 2 min from Kennington station backing into the wonderful Cleaver square where one can sit and discuss the student work in the early summer…
- Paris Paraskevas Alexander Tselios | Google Reviews
3. Chiswick Art School
Website: chiswickartschool.co.uk
Address: Pavilion Studios, Alexandra Gardens, Dukes Meadows
Contact: Contact via web form
Hours: Contact for Office and Class Availability | Portal Available 24/7
Chiswick Art School offers a calm spot by the river, where students enjoy small classes led by real, working artists. This quiet base gives folks a relaxed place to learn, far from the busy city core.
As a private school with no state funds, the focus stays on quick help and good teaching. Taster days and pottery classes come with all the gear, and cancelled classes get a full refund each time.
Along the way, the school keeps things simple with dedicated WhatsApp groups that link tutors and classmates between class days.
Just so you know, regular courses ask students to bring their own kit, and missed days from illness don’t get made up, so the rules may feel strict for some.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful and Organized Pottery Workshop
Had a wonderful time at the Chiswick art school Raku workshop. The day was well organised and led by an extremely knowledgeable/experienced potter. The atmosphere was both fun and welcoming. facilities were great and Roz provided a wide selection of glazes.
I took loads of great pieces back home. Looking forward to going back another time!
- A H | Google Reviews
Clear and Expert Raku Course
I was fortunate enough to be gifted a raku course at Chiswick Art School, and highly recommend the experience. Roz and her expert team gave a very clear understanding of the raku process and techniques, and were on hand throughout to give friendly advice and suggestions. As well as a thoroughly enjoyable day with fellow potters, I was delighted by the results, and will now need to go back to put into more practice what I learned. Great!
- Eric Penton-Voak | Google Reviews
4. Slade School of Fine Art
Website: ucl.ac.uk/slade
Address: UCL, Gower Street
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:00 PM–5:30 PM
Slade School of Fine Art gives free-thinking artists room to shape their own path, treated like pros from day one. As part of University College London, the school blends art study with a strong base in book smarts.
Add to that, the program holds a well-known name in computer arts and gives grad students a steady fee deal. PhD students can also pick up teaching work while building ties across the wider school.
Plus, a strong global name, solid grad job results, and a modern East London campus add even more to the mix.
Before you sign on, though, know that students pay their own project and study costs, which can be hard to plan for ahead of ti
Customer Review
Research Oriented Fine Art Programs
The Slade School of Fine Art offers two undergraduate programs, the BA and BFA in Fine Art; two master’s programs, the MA and MFA in Fine Art; and the MPhil/PhD in Fine Art, as well as several short-course programs. An experimental, research-oriented approach is at the heart of a practice-based teaching environment, where every student (from BA/BFA to PhD) is expected to conduct individual and original artistic research from day one.
- gino vavalle | Google Reviews (Translated from Italian)
5. London Fine Art Studios
Website: londonfineartstudios.com
Address: Unit 94, Battersea Business Centre, 99-109 Lavender Hill
Contact: 020-7223-2360 | International: 0044 0 20 7223 2360 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 9:15 AM–5:00 PM | Wednesday to Friday 9:15 AM–4:00 PM | Foundation Course: Monday or Tuesday 6:30 PM–9:15 PM | Saturday 9:45 AM–12:45 PM, 1:30 PM–4:30 PM
London Fine Art Studios builds strong classic drawing and painting skills through a set atelier-style path.
Every new student starts with the same base course, so all skill types start from the same spot, and classes stay small, capped at 12 folks.
Along the way, students get real feedback while moving from charcoal work to oil paint through live model time.
The studio also runs Friday catch-up classes for missed lessons, so it’s easy to stay on track, and the warm feel suits new folks seeking help.
Worth knowing, though: skilled painters may find the base course too plain, and the studio doesn’t hand out real school degrees.
Customer Review
Great Fun for Beginners
I took some friends for a class at London Fine Art Studios. None of us had any art experience but after a few hours with Ann, we all produced pieces of art that we woud have never envisaged being possible. We had great fun as well and I would highly recommend spending time learning to draw and paint at this studio
- Melanie Condon | Google Reviews
