5 best art schools in Newcastle for both beginners and seasoned artists
Not everyone walking into an arts school wants to be the next Picasso. Some just want a creative outlet after work, while others are building a portfolio to pursue bigger dreams.
Either way, finding the right school can move things forward.
We looked into a creative arts school in Newcastle that local artists and enthusiasts like to keep recommending. For creativity, support, and overall experience, only a few stood out to us – even fewer are the ones truly worth booking.
If you’re serious about taking the next steps to sharpen your skills, here are places to start.
How much do art school fees cost in Newcastle?
The cost of art school fees in Newcastle averages at £9,790 per year for home students in Fine Arts. International students can expect to pay about £25,800. Postgraduate courses range from £11,400 to £26,500.
1. Mandela Building
Location: Newcastle College, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7SA
Contact: +44 191 200 4211
Opening Hours:
For adults, we found Mandela a better pick for learning. The use of industry-style teaching made us feel like we were in a serious workplace rather than a classroom.
The facilities stood out to us the most, offering a massive photograph studio and a fully equipped dark room.
We also liked how diverse the range of lessons was. Offerings include digital arts, performance theatres, and music production.
Other facilities just complete the learning experience. For example, the library is well-stocked, with social areas tailored for students’ comfort.
Additionally, their support service felt consistent and helpful with clear academic guidance. Students even receive financial advice and career planning throughout/
The staff, according to students, are all welcoming. The environment itself is also a motivating ground, encouraging students to learn more beyond theories.
On the downside, staff reliability can be inconsistent at times. It’s not the biggest dealbreaker, but it may be noticeable during busy enrollment periods.
A great place to study
“Loved that place, I went there as a student many years ago now, lovely building and a great place to study”
Graham Breeze | Google Review
Looking forward to college
“Helpful staff grandson is looking forward to starting college”
Jenny Wilson | Google Review
2. Newcastle Arts Centre
Location: 67 Westgate Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SG
Contact: +44 191 261 5618
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
We got to know about the Newcastle Arts Centre for their multi-functional creative hub. They mix art classes, retail, and live events in one place/
Talking about their art courses, we liked the variety they offer. There are quick life drawing and 4-week acrylic painting classes, among many others.
What’s nice is that all materials necessary will be provided. This can make initial planning and budgeting much easier for new students.
If you’re running out of equipment, there’s also a Details Art Material Shop. We liked that this puts students within an accessible distance to all the tools they need.
According to students, teachers adjust to their personal level. That means better individualised attention regardless of the class size.
It also helps students progress based on their own pace.
Just take note that art courses aren’t as comprehensive as those offered by other institutions. These options may be better for those who just want to dip their feet into the arts and get a feel of it.
Great for artists
“Excellent place to for artists’ materials, and excellento get inspiration and examples of textile art, craft from pottery or woodwork. t is great for artists (professions) but can be quite expensive”
Arcadia Beretta | Google Review
Excellent place for craft
“Excellent place to for artists’ materials, and excellent examples of craft from pottery to jewelry, woodwork to textile ar”
Justin Perry | Google Review
3. John Marley Centre
Location: Muscott Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6TT
Contact:
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The environment at John Marley Centre is enough to draw anyone in. Their Art Deco building, turned creative hub, can inspire beginner and professional students.
The parquet floors, high ceilings, and open halls give it a vintage atmosphere that feels different from typical studio spaces.
Their multi-disciplinary setups are what really pulled us in. The entire place feels like a full creative ecosystem, with recording studios, theatre spaces, catering rooms, and gardens.
Their courses are very hands-on and varied. Students can sign up for clay throwing, aerial classes, and even a 6-month visual arts course.
For the latter, students get mentoring and gallery exhibitions. It’s nice that there’s an option to showcase pieces from time to time.
The facilities are great. Studio rentals are flexible, offering small personal rooms and much larger workshop places.
We’re just a bit disappointed about the limited accessibility in some areas. There were also missing facilities like spray booths and print studios.
Fabulous setting
“Newcastle Circus Arts at the JM Centre. A fabulous setting and an amazing circus school giving circus and aerial lessons throughout the week for kids and adults. Really supportive and experienced coaches, my daughter loves her weekly sessions.”
Louise Mcivor | Google Review
Great range of events
“Great range of events, classes and shopping. Houses Creative organisations and artists as well as a record and art store. Coffee and food available.”
Amanda Stewart | Google Review
4. SA Performing Arts Centre
Location: Potts St, Byker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1ED
Contact: +44 191 224 5604
Opening Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM, Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 8:45 AM – 4:30 PM, Sunday: 9:15 AM – 2:00 PM
At SA Performing Arts Centre, the training ground allows students to grow as artists. Their all-in-one performing training is serious and supportive for growing professionals
We liked that their programs combine dance, acting, and singing. There are also options for improv, ballet, and even Pilates and nutrition.
Prices are competitive considering the range of lessons and session duration.
The real big standout is their real performance pipeline that sets them apart. Students rehearse for full theatre shows, do teach runs, and access auditions through SA castings.
These opportunities give learners industry exposure that not a lot of art schools offer.
The atmosphere is really encouraging, with teachers who actually invest in confidence-building and technique.
One thing to take note of is that stricter behaviour policies are expected from their students. We also found some communication issues with parents, though nothing severe.
Enjoyable and amazing class
“My daughter has been attending SA Performing Arts for nearly a couple of years now. Having been to other stage schools in the past, she is always enthusiastic to attend and thoroughly enjoys herself in every class. The Zoom calls during lockdown have been fantastic and have really given her something to look forward to each week and the shows she has been part of have been amazing. I highly recommend!”
Laura Hodgson | Google Review
Committed and understanding staff
“My daughter began classes at the weekend school in September and loves it. Since lockdown they have offered FREE dance and singing sessions over zoom which have been a great way to keep students and staff connected with each other during this difficult time. This shows how committed and understanding the staff are. My daughter can’t wait to return to the studios!”
Judi Johnson | Google Review
5. Turpentyne Fine Art Classes & Art Supply
Location: 10 Ashburton Rd, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4XN
Contact: +44 191 908 4458
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
For that proper art school focusing on real skill-building, we looked into Turpentyne. Their teaching style is structured, emphasising observation and realistic drawings.
We liked that they offer courses to both adults and kids. For the latter, the range is great, covering comic drawing, manga, and Disney art in a 5-day session.
They also have advanced programs like the Arts Awards Bronze, including a trip to the Laing Art Gallery.
School workshops are available, so there are plenty of options to refine techniques without losing academic edge.
We favour the fact that they focus on fundamentals like proportion, shadow, and visual measurements. This is consistent across various subjects, including portraiture, wildlife, and landscape.
Students can come here to refine techniques in various media. This includes pencil, paint, clay, and mixed media.
One drawback is that the studio spaces are quite small, which can feel a bit tight no matter how small the class size is. It may affect output.
Brilliant classes
“My two daughters have their classes for years and its been brilliant. They love their classes and been developing their skills very well”
Jobin Mathew Joseph | Google Review
Talented instructors
“Nice small classroom, friendly, talented instructors. Good stock of art supplies.”
Robyn Allwright | Google Review