Adult Programme Information

Welcome to the National Centre for Circus Arts

Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for a new term, it’s important that you read all the information below to ensure you get the most out of your course and are familiar with our policies and procedures.

You can access your account here. If you haven’t logged in online before, please click Forgotten your password? and enter the email address you used to book your course.

Please ensure you have completed the Medical Information and Emergency Contact fields in your account. If you have no medical issues, please enter ‘none’. If you have any concerns about your ability to take part in the course, do get in touch with us.

If you have any questions contact us on 020 7613 4141 or reception@nationalcircus.org.uk

General Information

Our termly courses vary in length and include a half-term break – course prices are adjusted based on the number of weeks. Where possible, we align our terms with school dates.

Beginners should start their training on a Level 1 course, or Intro to. If you believe your skill level to be within our Level 2 or 3 courses you can attend an Assessment and, where appropriate, your will be signed off for a higher level. We do not offer Assessments for Tightwire or Flying Trapeze.

Access Cards

To make our building safe, we have a touch card system. If you are new to NCCA, please collect your card at Reception.

When using our building, it’s important to use your card to touch in and out. If you are bringing a visitor who does not have an access card, please speak to Reception on arrival.

Booking Emails and Reminders

During each booking period, we will email you to let you know what level you are signed off for and when booking will open for these courses. You will receive one email for each course/ level you are signed off for.

Booking & Priority Re-Booking

Our termly course bookings happen in three stages:

1. Priority rebooking – for those booking the same course (same day & time)
2. Priority rebooking – for those who have been signed off for the next level in their discipline
3. General booking

We will email you automatically to let you know when these booking dates will happen and what you are eligible for.

Signing off

At the end of each term our teachers will assess your work and if they feel you are ready, you will be signed off to move up to the next level. You will receive an email in the second half of term, letting you know if you have been signed off or not. Your account will be automatically updated.

It is normal to stay at the same level in a discipline for multiple terms as you build up your skills and fitness.

If you have any further questions, please ask your teacher or email us.

Keeping in Touch

We send termly newsletters and important updates (such as booking dates and class changes) via email — please make sure your contact details are up to date. You can amend your details here.

To receive wider news from the National Centre, tick the ‘I am happy to receive emails’ box under ‘Preferences’ on your account.

Our website has information about your course, along with timetables and term dates. Please make a note of any dates when your course will not be running, such as half-term and bank holidays.

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see what’s happening at the National Centre and stay connected with the wider community.

For general or Adult course enquiries, contact us on 020 7613 4141 or reception@nationalcircus.org.uk.

When to be here

You can check the time and days of your course and term dates on the course timetable using the filter on the Courses page.

To avoid disappointment it’s very important to be changed and ready well before the start time of your class as latecomers may not be admitted.

What to Wear

Clothing requirements vary between classes; your teacher can provide specific guidance. In general, wear comfortable clothing such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms, a T-shirt or vest, and clean indoor trainers. You may need to be barefoot or wear clean trainers, depending on the class.

For aerial classes, clothing that covers the limbs (e.g. long sleeves and leggings—double layers may be helpful) is advised. Supportive ankle straps are recommended for anyone with previous ankle injuries.

Please do not wear: jeans, skirts, very baggy clothing, trousers with pockets on the side of the leg, or any jewellery or watches.

What to do if you can’t attend

You do not need to let us know if you will miss one of your adult course sessions.