Children's Art Classes in Brighton

Creative art classes for children aged 8 to 16

Give your child a space where creativity comes first and confidence follows.

These small group classes are led by Gabby Leigh, a qualified teacher, practising artist and technical instructor on the BA 3D Design and Craft course at the University of Brighton. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Gabby has a rare gift for helping children find their creative voice and believe in what they can make.

Class sizes are kept small deliberately. Every child gets real attention, real challenge, and real results.

What makes these classes different

The materials are professional grade. The projects are ambitious. The standard Gabby works to is genuinely high, and the work that comes out reflects that. These are not after school craft sessions. They are proper art classes where children are treated as capable, imaginative makers from the very first session.

Each week brings something new in terms of materials, techniques and influences. Sketching, printmaking, ink work, charcoal, vibrant painting, wire sculpture, pewter casting, silver soldering, colour exploration and mixed media all feature across the year. No two projects feel the same.

The support Gabby puts in place means children build on their own ideas without feeling afraid to experiment. They leave each session having made something they are genuinely proud of.

A place where every child belongs

Gabby has extensive experience supporting dyslexic, neurodivergent and highly creative children, including those who find traditional academic environments difficult. Her teaching celebrates different ways of thinking, learning and making. Children feel valued for their strengths here, not measured against their challenges.

One of Gabby's students, M, is heavily dyslexic and achieved a grade 9 in her art GCSE after attending these classes. That result did not happen by accident.

More than a class

Something quietly special happens in these sessions. The children become a group. They encourage each other, share ideas, and build real friendships. Some of them meet up outside class altogether. That sense of belonging, of being part of something, is not something Gabby planned for. It just grew, because the environment she creates makes it possible.

Sessions and availability

£25 per session | 90 minutes | Billed half termly

90 minutes gives children time to settle, create, and finish projects properly.

Age range 8 to 16
Monday 4.00pm to 5.30pm | 2 spaces available
Tuesday 3.30pm to 5.00pm | 2 spaces available
Tuesday 5.30pm to 7.00pm | Full
Wednesday 3.30pm to 5.00pm | 1 space available

Age range 14 and over | GCSE and A Level
Wednesday 5.30pm to 7.00pm | 1 space available

How to join

Taster sessions are available. Please get in touch via the contact form below or call Gabby directly. If you email, please include your phone number and check your spam folder for our reply.

  • Make

  • Create

  • Imagine

  • Experiment

  • Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Classes are for children aged 8 to 16. There is also a dedicated group for ages 14 and above focusing on GCSE and A Level art support.

  • Classes are led by Gabby Leigh, a qualified teacher, practising artist and technical instructor on the BA 3D Design and Craft course at the University of Brighton. Gabby has extensive experience supporting dyslexic, neurodivergent and highly creative children.

  • Sessions are £25 per 90-minute session, billed half-termly.

  • Classes are held at Gabby's home studio at 38 Harrington Place, Brighton.

  • Groups are kept to a maximum of six children to ensure focused, individual attention for every child.

  • Classes run on Mondays 4 to 5:30pm, Tuesdays 3:30 to 5pm and 5:30 to 7pm, and Wednesdays 3:30 to 5pm and 5:30 to 7pm. Some sessions currently have limited spaces available.

  • Each session covers a mix of techniques and materials including sketching, printmaking, ink work, charcoal, painting, wire sculpture, pewter casting, silver soldering, colour exploration and mixed media.

  • Yes. Contact Gabby via email at hello@arttutorbrighton.uk to arrange a taster session.