Performing Arts School & Drama Classes for Kids

About us

Our history

Perform was launched in 2000 as a new kind of drama school - one that has child development at its very heart.

The founders, Will Barnett and Lucy Quick, both had a passion for the performing arts and wanted to create a unique organisation to help build children's self-esteem and life skills.

Starting with two schools in Primrose Hill and Islington, Perform has grown to over 350 venues across London and the South and West of England. It now encompasses hundreds of weekly classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, holiday courses and Perform for Schools - a thriving programme of workshops in primary schools.

children gaining confidence in drama school

What makes us different

At Perform, we embrace the uniqueness of every child, offering a distinctive blend of drama, dance and singing to unlock their true potential. Our ethos is simple: focus on happiness and fulfilment, recognising that each child's journey is their own.

Rather than teaching rigorous techniques, memorisation and repetition to produce a 'perfect performance', Perform uses drama-based games, exercises, songs and dances in an imaginative and fun way to help boost child development.

As a result of this outlook, there are many other key differences:

Individual attention

Small classes, a high teacher/child ratio and regular written feedback ensures your child will get the most out of every session.

Original content

Age-specific songs and scripts are written in-house to ensure that they fire your child's imagination.

Centrally run for quality

We are not a franchised business. Our teachers are directly recruited and trained so you can be certain your child is receiving the best teaching.

Regular performances

Each half-term, there is an open workshop and, at the end of each term, your child and their new friends can proudly show you what they've learnt.

Fun between classes

Sticker posters, videos, script packs, mp3s and mobile apps help to keep young imaginations active in the week between sessions.

Over 350 venues

With hundreds of venues running at weekends and on weekdays, there's bound to be a class near you.

Our teachers

Our fantastic team of teachers have one aim - to bring out the best in your child.

That's why you'll find Perform staff extremely friendly and welcoming with a real interest in your child and your views on their progress.

For example, your Perform Producer will be in contact every week to let you know what the children have been doing that day. And every ten sessions, they will send you written feedback about how your child is getting on in each section of the class.

If you don't have time to talk at the workshops, you'll have their personal mobile number and email address to get in touch at any time.

Over 350 venues across the UK

With Perform, you're not just enrolling your child in a drama class; you're giving them a space to thrive, learn and have fun.

Perform is more than just a drama school; it's a community dedicated to nurturing creativity and confidence in children through a unique curriculum of original content, imaginative games and fun exercises.

With over 350 venues across the UK, our centrally-run approach ensures consistent quality and care, making Perform the ideal place for your child to grow.

Discover the Perform difference and watch your child shine.