GuideBack to School in London 2026: The Parent's Guide
Everything you need to get sorted for September — classes, clubs, activities and weekend ideas for London families.
📅 September 2026
Summer's coming to an end and it's time to get organised for the new school year. Whether you're looking for after-school clubs, weekend activities, new classes for younger children, or just want to get your family calendar sorted — this guide has you covered.
We've pulled together the best kids' activities, classes and clubs across London, organised by type and area so you can find exactly what you need near you.
At a Glance
- Date
- September 2026 onwards
- Best for
- Families with children 0–12
- Budget
- Varies — free taster sessions to termly fees
- Area
- Across London
Updated 20 August 2026
Decide at a glance
Best For...
After-School Clubs & Activities
London has hundreds of brilliant after-school options for primary-age children. From football coaching and swimming lessons to coding clubs and art workshops — there's something for every interest.
Browse our directory by activity type to find what's available near your school or home.
Sports Clubs
Get active this term:
- Football — coaching for all ages
- Swimming — lessons and squads
- Gymnastics — tumbling to competitive
- Martial Arts — karate, judo, taekwondo
- Tennis — group and individual coaching
- Cricket & Rugby — growing kids' programmes
Many clubs offer free taster sessions in September.
Dance, Drama & Performing Arts
From ballet to street dance, drama workshops to musical theatre — London's performing arts scene for children is world-class.
Most term-time classes start in September with spaces filling fast. Book early for popular venues.
Music Classes
Whether it's baby music groups, piano lessons, or joining a choir — music education is incredibly popular with London families.
Look for classes that offer a free trial lesson so your child can find their thing.
Baby & Toddler Classes
Starting a new class in September? Here's what's popular for the under-3s:
- Baby sensory & music (from birth)
- Swimming (from 3 months)
- Baby yoga & massage
- Toddler gymnastics
- Music & movement
- Forest school (outdoors)
Many run free taster weeks in September.
Activities by Area
Find classes and activities near you:
North London
Islington, Camden, Hackney, Haringey
South London
Wandsworth, Lambeth, Lewisham, Greenwich
East London
Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest
West London
Ealing, Richmond, Hammersmith, Chiswick
Each area page shows relevant local listings from our directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
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