Betty Wivell Academy of Performing Arts

General information

South London's leading performing arts school, the Betty Wivell Academy was established in 1964. To date over 3000 boys and girls have studied with us. When we started, it was ballet lessons in Miss Wivell's sitting room.

Now, it's ballet, tap, modern, jazz, drama and singing in over 10 rooms spanned over 4 venues, seven days a week. A total of 80 regular classes, not counting additional tuition and rehearsal time

We aim to showcase a small production each year. Every five years, the entire school puts on a production at a local theatre. We also undertake a number of outside performances throughout the year, including school fetes, entertainment for local retirement homes, charity events, summer schools, festivals, and choreography competitions.

All funds raised from our productions go to support The BWA Trust, a charity whose aim is to assist former pupils of the BWA to obtain further tuition at a professional level, enabling them to achieve a career in theatre and the arts.

Get in touch if you want more information about any of our classes, the school itself, supporting the BWA Trust or would be interested in us performing at your event.