Back-to-school season does not have to mean learning only happens behind a desk. In Woolwich, AirCraft Circus Academy offers children, teenagers and adults the chance to learn everything from aerial silks and hoop to trapeze, acrobatics and juggling — and September is a particularly good time to give something new a try.
Latest Update — September 2026
AirCraft Circus Academy’s autumn youth term is getting underway in September 2026, with classes for children and young people from age 4 through to 19. For adults who are curious but do not want to commit to a full course straight away, there is also a Mixed Aerial Taster on Sunday 13 September 2026.
The two-hour adult taster costs £40, is suitable for complete beginners aged 16+, and includes static trapeze, aerial hoop, rope and silks. AirCraft also has a Flying Trapeze workshop on Sunday 6 September 2026, with another date currently listed for 8 November.
Circus as Creative Learning
This is where circus gets especially interesting for our Education & Creative Futures coverage. It combines physical learning with creativity, performance and problem-solving rather than separating them into different subjects.
AirCraft’s younger classes introduce and develop skills including aerial silks, aerial hoop, static trapeze, rope, acrobatics, handstands, acro-balance, juggling, hula hoop and other ground-based circus disciplines. Its advanced Youth Academy also works on performance and creation skills, with students working towards a full circus show.
AirCraft says circus can support coordination, balance and strength, while its SEND workshop programme also highlights rhythm, concentration, confidence and physical and mental wellbeing.
Kids & Teen Circus Classes
The current youth programme covers ages 4–19. Options include Trapeze Tots, Ninjas, Teens, Flying Trapeze and the invitation-only Youth Academy.
Trapeze Tots introduces younger children to aerial silks, hoop, acrobatics, juggling and hula hoop. The Ninjas and Teens programmes expand into aerial silks, hoop, static trapeze, rope, acrobatics and ground circus skills. Trial-session options are listed for some youth classes, which is useful for families who would rather try the environment before committing to a term.
One practical point for parents: AirCraft states that parents are not permitted inside the Aerial Studio during youth classes and there is no waiting area in the studio, so check the drop-off and collection information before your first session.
Adult Aerial Classes & Beginner Tasters
You do not have to arrive with circus-level strength. The September Mixed Aerial Taster is specifically described as suitable for complete beginners, while AirCraft’s intensive information also welcomes beginners who want to build strength.
Regular adult options include disciplines such as aerial hoop and silks, with other workshops and intensive training available throughout the programme. The current adult hoop and silks courses are for ages 16+.
From Learning Circus to Seeing It on Stage
Learning a circus skill also gives you a completely different appreciation of what performers are doing on stage. Circus now crosses into musical theatre, contemporary circus, dance, physical theatre, cabaret and large-scale spectacle.
We already have a Barnum UK Tour 2026 guide on Clarissa’s Corner. The production mixes musical theatre with actor-musicians, acrobatics and circus performance, making it a natural next step for anyone interested in how circus skills become theatrical storytelling.
There are plenty of other connections to explore too. The Greatest Showman opens up questions about P. T. Barnum, adaptation, spectacle and the difference between screen storytelling and history. Cirque du Soleil demonstrates how contemporary circus can use aerial performance, movement, music, costume and design to tell stories. We also have a Cirque Alice guide in development for its London season, another example of how a familiar story can be reimagined through circus.
That makes circus a surprisingly rich starting point for Drama, Media Studies, dance, design and creative-career conversations — as well as simply being something fun to learn.
SEND & Accessibility
AirCraft also offers SEND circus workshops for groups. Its current accessibility information says the studios are on the first floor at Thames-Side Studios in Woolwich. A seated stairlift is available to assist participants in reaching the space, the workshop spaces are on the same floor, and there is a disabled toilet.
Accessibility needs vary considerably — particularly with aerial equipment — so contact AirCraft before booking if you need to discuss physical access, support, sensory needs or whether a particular class can be adapted.
Practical Information
- Where: AirCraft Circus Academy, Unit 7A Mellish House, Harrington Way, London SE18 5NR
- Area: Woolwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich
- Adult Mixed Aerial Taster: Sunday 13 September 2026, 2–4pm
- Price: £40
- Age: 16+ for the adult taster
- What you try: Static trapeze, aerial hoop, aerial rope and silks
- Booking: Advance booking is recommended; class availability can change.
Check current AirCraft Circus Academy classes and booking information →
More Creative Learning in Greenwich
If the creative-learning side appeals, have a look at our Tramshed Woolwich theatre, youth arts and accessibility guide and our Greenwich family events and days out guide.
FAQ
Do you need to be strong before starting aerial circus?
No. AirCraft’s Mixed Aerial Taster is advertised for complete beginners. Strength is something that can be developed as part of learning, although individual classes and apparatus will have different physical demands.
What can beginners try at the September aerial taster?
The current workshop includes static trapeze, aerial hoop, aerial rope (corde lisse) and silks, alongside a group warm-up and cool-down.
Are there circus classes for children?
Yes. AirCraft’s youth programme currently runs from age 4 through to 19, with different classes based on age, level and discipline.
Does AirCraft offer SEND circus sessions?
AirCraft currently advertises SEND circus workshops for groups, which can include aerial and ground skills when held at its Woolwich studios. Contact the academy directly to discuss individual requirements and current availability.
Information checked September 2026. Class dates, availability and prices can change, so always confirm directly with AirCraft Circus Academy before travelling or booking.
