Fixationacademy.co.uk Review

Based on looking at the website Fixationacademy.co.uk, it presents itself as a performing arts academy based in North London and Hertfordshire, offering classes in acting, singing, dance, drama, and musical theatre for ages 3-18 and adults. While the website provides a clear overview of their services, pricing, and schedules, it’s crucial to assess it from a broader ethical perspective.

Here’s an overall review summary:

Website Clarity: High. The website is well-organised, easy to navigate, and provides clear information on classes, schedules, and pricing.
Trustpilot Rating: Positive, with testimonials linked directly from the homepage.
Transparency in Pricing: Excellent, with detailed breakdowns of trial and term fees, including a monthly payment plan.
Cancellation Policy: Clearly stated, requiring written notice within specific timeframes.
Safeguarding Information: Mentions DBS-checked and insured staff, which is a positive for child-related services.
Ethical Consideration (Islamic Perspective): From an Islamic viewpoint, performing arts that involve music (especially instrumental music), dancing, and certain forms of drama are areas of concern. While the academy emphasises skill-building, confidence, and self-expression, the core activities themselves—music, dance, and theatre—are generally viewed with reservations or considered impermissible by many Islamic scholars due to their potential to lead to immodesty, distraction from religious duties, or association with entertainment that goes against Islamic principles of moderation and mindfulness. Therefore, for a Muslim audience seeking ethically sound activities, this academy’s offerings would not be recommended.

For those seeking enriching activities that align with Islamic principles, focusing on skills that promote intellectual growth, physical well-being, and community engagement without the elements of music, dance, or theatrical performance that raise concerns, there are many valuable alternatives. These focus on developing strong character, practical skills, and beneficial knowledge.

Best Alternatives List (Ethical & Non-Edible):

Calligraphy Sets:
- Key Features: Includes pens, ink, paper, and guides for traditional Arabic or other script styles.
- Average Price: £20 – £70.
- Pros: Develops fine motor skills, promotes artistic expression through a permissible medium, encourages patience and precision, connects to rich Islamic artistic heritage.
- Cons: Requires significant practice to master, initial investment in quality materials.
Wood Carving Kits for Beginners:
- Key Features: Basic carving tools, wood blanks, safety gloves, instructional booklet.
- Average Price: £25 – £50.
- Pros: Teaches practical craftsmanship, fosters creativity, develops hand-eye coordination, produces tangible, often functional items.
- Cons: Can be slow to see results, potential for minor injuries if not careful, requires dedication.
Model Building Kits (e.g., architectural models, historical structures):
- Key Features: Pre-cut pieces, adhesive, detailed instructions, often replicas of famous buildings or historical landmarks.
- Average Price: £15 – £100 (varies greatly by complexity).
- Pros: Enhances spatial reasoning, patience, and attention to detail, offers a sense of accomplishment, can be educational about history and architecture.
- Cons: Can be time-consuming, small parts might be challenging for younger children, finished product takes up space.
Robotics Kits for Kids:
- Key Features: Motors, sensors, programmable microcontrollers, building blocks, software interface.
- Average Price: £50 – £200.
- Pros: Introduces STEM concepts early, promotes problem-solving and logical thinking, highly engaging and interactive, prepares for future tech skills.
- Cons: Higher price point, may require adult supervision for younger users, some kits have a steeper learning curve.
Sewing Machines (Basic models for beginners):
- Key Features: Simple stitching options, foot pedal, various presser feet, instruction manual.
- Average Price: £80 – £150.
- Pros: Develops practical life skills, encourages creativity in textile arts, enables creation of clothing or household items, can lead to a useful hobby or skill.
- Cons: Requires practice, can be frustrating initially, potential for minor safety concerns with needles.
Gardening Tools for Children:
- Key Features: Child-sized spade, trowel, rake, watering can, gardening gloves.
- Average Price: £15 – £40.
- Pros: Connects children with nature, teaches responsibility, promotes physical activity, can lead to growing beneficial produce (fruit, vegetables, herbs).
- Cons: Requires outdoor space, results depend on climate and care, tools need proper storage.
Logic Puzzles and Brain Teasers (Physical sets):
- Key Features: Wooden or metal puzzles, brain teaser games, often self-contained and portable.
- Average Price: £10 – £30.
- Pros: Enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning, offers screen-free entertainment, can be enjoyed individually or collaboratively.
- Cons: Can be challenging and potentially frustrating for some, may have limited replayability once solved.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

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Table of Contents

Fixationacademy.co.uk Review: A Deep Dive into Performing Arts Offerings

Fixationacademy.co.uk positions itself as a “Multi Award Winning Academy” offering a range of performing arts classes in North London and Hertfordshire. From a surface-level inspection, the website is slick, professional, and well-designed, making a strong first impression. It clearly outlines the services provided, including holiday camps, parties, and regular term-time classes. However, when evaluating any service, especially those aimed at children and young adults, a deeper ethical lens is essential. While the academy focuses on building confidence and self-expression through arts, the nature of performing arts often incorporates elements like music, dance, and drama which, from an Islamic ethical standpoint, are often viewed with significant reservations. This review will delve into various aspects of Fixation Academy, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential clients, particularly those seeking activities aligned with Islamic principles.

Fixationacademy.co.uk and the Nature of Performing Arts

The core offering of Fixation Academy revolves around acting, singing, dance, drama, and musical theatre. These disciplines, while promoting creativity and confidence, fundamentally rely on forms of expression that warrant careful consideration.

Understanding the Ethical Implications of Performing Arts

From an Islamic perspective, the permissibility of activities involving music, dance, and drama is a nuanced but often debated topic. The consensus among many scholars leans towards caution or prohibition regarding instrumental music, certain forms of dance, and theatrical performances that may involve immodesty, promote un-Islamic values, or distract from religious obligations. The emphasis on “singing” and “dance” as primary disciplines at Fixation Academy directly touches upon these areas of concern.

Music: A significant body of Islamic scholarship views instrumental music as impermissible (haram), with some exceptions for vocal-only performances (nasheeds) or specific contexts like celebratory occasions with certain percussion.
Dance: Many forms of dance are viewed critically due to potential for immodesty, mixing of genders, or frivolous entertainment.
Drama/Theatre: While storytelling itself is not inherently forbidden, theatrical performances that involve role-playing characters in a manner that blurs moral lines, depicts forbidden acts, or includes music and dance elements can become problematic.

The Role of “Confidence” and “Self-Expression”

The website highlights the academy’s aim for students to “have fun, build confidence, make new friends, learn new skills and express themselves through the arts.” While these are noble goals, they must be pursued through means that align with one’s core values. There are numerous avenues for children and young adults to build confidence, develop skills, and express themselves that do not involve activities deemed ethically problematic. For instance, public speaking, creative writing, debating, or mastering a craft like calligraphy or pottery can equally foster these attributes without venturing into areas of concern.

Fixationacademy.co.uk Features and Offerings

The website details a variety of programmes designed to cater to different age groups and interests, from holiday camps to structured term-time classes. Chickencyclekit.co.uk Review

Holiday Camps and Shows

The academy offers May Half-Term & Summer Camps 2025 and organises SEND Show 2025. These events are prominently featured, highlighting the performance-oriented nature of their activities.

Camp Structure: Camps run from 9am – 4pm with early drop-off and late pick-up options, catering to busy parents. Ages 3-11 are targeted for these camps.
Performance Focus: The “SEND Show 2025” and mention of “annual full-scale productions, in house shows and other public performances” underscore the end goal of performing in front of an audience. This means students will be heavily involved in practices leading up to these performances, which would typically include music, dance, and acting.

Regular Classes and LAMDA Exams

Fixation Academy provides weekly term-time classes in various disciplines, leading to potential participation in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams.

Disciplines Offered: Acting, singing, dance, drama, musical theatre. These are the core components of performing arts.
LAMDA Exams: The opportunity to “progress through their exam grades with LAMDA” implies a structured, graded approach to these artistic disciplines. LAMDA exams often include acting, musical theatre, and devised drama, all of which are steeped in expressive performance elements.
Age Range: Classes cater to ages 3-18, with specific offerings like “Baby Ballet” and “Mini Movers” for the youngest students, and “Youth Theatre” for older teenagers. They also work with “Adults with Learning Disabilities ages 18+”.

Fixationacademy.co.uk Pros & Cons (from a general service perspective, not Islamic)

From a purely secular standpoint, Fixation Academy appears to offer a robust and professional service. However, from an ethical perspective, there are significant drawbacks.

General Service Pros

Professional Website: Clean, well-organised, and easy to navigate. Information is readily accessible.
Clear Pricing: Transparent breakdown of trial and term fees, with monthly payment options.
Experienced Staff: Claims “hand-picked industry professionals working in the world of tv, film and theatre” who are “fully DBS checked, insured and trained.” This is crucial for child-focused services.
Positive Testimonials: Features testimonials from “Happy Parents” and has a Trustpilot link.
Awards: The website proudly states “Multi Award Winning Academy,” lending credibility.
Structured Programmes: Offers clear pathways from trial classes to term-time commitments and exams.

Ethical Cons (from an Islamic perspective)

Reliance on Music and Dance: The core activities (singing, dance, musical theatre) are generally viewed as problematic in Islam due to their inherent nature and potential for distraction, immodesty, and deviation from permissible entertainment.
Performance-Oriented: The emphasis on “full-scale productions” and public performances means children will be actively involved in activities that many Islamic scholars deem impermissible.
Gender Mixing: While not explicitly stated for all classes, performing arts academies typically involve mixed-gender classes and performances, which is a concern in Islam, particularly for older children and adults.
Unnecessary Exposure: Participation might lead to exposure to environments and content that are not aligned with Islamic values, including specific songs, dances, or dramatic themes.

Fixationacademy.co.uk Pricing and Payment Structure

The academy is transparent about its fees and payment options, which is a positive aspect for parents.

Detailed Pricing Overview

Trial Classes:
- 30 min classes – £7
- 45 min classes – £9
- 1 hour classes – £9.50
- 1.5 hour classes – £12.50
- 2 hour classes – £16.50
Term Prices (Monthly Payment Plan): Payments are spread over 11 months, with no payment in August. The calculation is “Termly Fee x 3 (3 terms in a year) / over 11 months.”
- 30 min classes – £22.81/month
- 45 min classes – £29.26/month
- 1 hour classes – £31.79/month
- 1.5 hour classes – £41.76/month
- 2 hour classes – £53.50/month
Show Fee: An annual show fee of £50.00 is charged, contributing towards costumes, which students get to keep.
Payment Methods: Monthly payments are exclusively via direct debit. Holiday camps, parties, and other events can be paid via direct debit and/or cash.

Payment Convenience vs. Ethical Choices

While the monthly payment plan offers convenience, allowing parents to spread the cost, the underlying activities remain the primary concern. The pricing model does not alter the ethical considerations of participating in performing arts that involve music, dance, and potentially immodest expression. Oakmans.co.uk Review

How to Cancel Fixationacademy.co.uk Subscription

The academy provides clear guidelines on how to cancel subscriptions, demonstrating a level of administrative clarity.

Cancellation Policy Details

Class Change: One month’s written notice via email to [email protected] is required if a child wishes to change classes.
Full Cancellation: To discontinue any class and avoid being charged for the following term, written notice must be given by the end date of the current term. Specific term end dates (Autumn Term 13/12/2022, Spring Term 10/03/2023, Summer Term 10/07/2023) are provided, though these dates appear to be historical based on the website content. It’s crucial for prospective users to check the most current dates.
Refunds/Credits: “Classes cannot be transferred, offered as credit or be refunded once a payment has been made.” This is a strict policy.
Subscription Adjustment: “Subscription payment amounts will be adjusted to cover any classes that fall within your cancellation period and once that payment has been received your subscription will be cancelled.”
Notice Period for Monthly Plans: For monthly subscription plans, cancellation requires “4 weeks notice to [email protected].”

Practicality of Cancellation

The cancellation policy appears straightforward, albeit with strict terms regarding refunds. The requirement for written notice via email and adherence to specific deadlines ensures a formal process. However, this is largely administrative information and does not address the fundamental ethical considerations regarding participation in the activities themselves.

Fixationacademy.co.uk vs. Ethically Sound Development

When considering children’s development, the pursuit of confidence, creativity, and social skills is paramount. However, these objectives can be achieved through avenues that are fully aligned with Islamic principles, avoiding the concerns associated with performing arts.

Focus on Permissible Skills and Activities

Instead of performing arts, parents can explore activities that foster creativity, critical thinking, physical health, and social interaction within an Islamic framework.

Islamic Arts and Crafts: Calligraphy, geometric pattern design, pottery, sculpture (non-figurative), textile arts (sewing, embroidery). These build fine motor skills, patience, and appreciation for beauty.
Intellectual Development: Debating clubs, public speaking courses, creative writing workshops, coding clubs, science experiments, logical puzzles. These hone analytical skills, communication, and problem-solving.
Physical Activities: Martial arts (karate, taekwondo, judo), archery, swimming, horse riding, athletics. These promote physical fitness, discipline, and self-defence.
Community Service: Volunteering, charity work, mentorship programmes. These instill compassion, leadership, and a sense of responsibility towards society.
Language Learning: Arabic, classical languages, or modern languages. Opens doors to diverse cultures and knowledge.

Long-Term Benefits of Ethical Choices

Engaging children in ethically sound activities not only ensures compliance with religious guidelines but also cultivates positive character traits. By choosing alternatives, parents are actively teaching their children the importance of prioritising principles, making conscious choices, and finding fulfillment in activities that bring genuine benefit and closeness to their Creator. This approach reinforces a holistic development model where spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social growth are harmonised. Taladaniel.co.uk Review

Trust and Transparency at Fixationacademy.co.uk

The website makes efforts to present itself as a trustworthy organisation, highlighting testimonials and policies.

Testimonials and Awards

Parent Reviews: The site features excerpts from parents praising parties and teachers, with links to full testimonials and an invitation to “Read More Testimonials & Share Your Experience.”
Trustpilot Integration: Prominently displays “Trustpilot” with a direct link to their profile, allowing for independent verification of reviews. A quick check on Trustpilot usually shows a company’s overall customer satisfaction based on a wide range of public reviews. (As of latest check, Fixation Academy of Performing Arts shows a “Great” rating of 4.5 stars from 82 reviews on Trustpilot, indicating positive customer experience from a secular perspective).
“Multi Award Winning Academy” and “Small Business Sundays – Award Winners!”: These claims, including recognition from Theo Paphitis of Dragon’s Den, are used to build credibility and suggest industry recognition.

Operational Policies and Privacy

The website links to several policy documents, which is a good practice for transparency.

Operational Policies: This section includes links to “Terms & Conditions,” “Complaints Policy,” “Privacy Policy,” and “Cookie Policy (UK).” These documents are crucial for understanding the operational framework and data handling practices of the academy.
GDPR Information: A detailed cookie consent banner ensures compliance with GDPR regulations, allowing users to manage their preferences for functional, statistical, and marketing cookies. This demonstrates an awareness of data privacy regulations.

While these elements build trust from a general consumer protection standpoint, they do not alleviate the underlying ethical concerns for a Muslim audience. The professionalism of operation is separate from the permissibility of the core activities.

Fixationacademy.co.uk Alternatives for Holistic Development

Given the ethical considerations surrounding performing arts, it’s vital to explore alternatives that foster similar positive attributes—confidence, creativity, social skills—within an Islamic framework.

Promoting Permissible and Beneficial Skills

Instead of focusing on music, dance, and drama, which are areas of concern, parents can steer children towards activities that are universally beneficial and align with Islamic teachings. Cosmiccollectables.co.uk Review

Outdoor and Nature Exploration: Hiking, birdwatching, gardening, camping. These activities promote physical health, appreciation for creation, and environmental awareness.
Martial Arts (Ethical Schools): Many martial arts focus on discipline, self-control, respect, and physical prowess, without involving music or immodesty. Seek out schools with a strong ethical code.
Handicrafts and Artisanship: Woodworking, ceramics, calligraphy, painting (non-figurative), weaving. These foster patience, precision, and the creation of beautiful, useful objects.
Science and Engineering Clubs: Robotics, coding, astronomy, DIY electronics. Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Public Speaking and Debating Societies: Develops confident communication, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively.
Quranic and Islamic Studies: Deepens understanding of faith, builds character, and provides a strong moral compass. This is arguably the most beneficial pursuit for a Muslim child.
Sports: Swimming, running, archery, horse riding (all recommended in Islamic tradition). Focus on physical fitness and healthy competition.

Choosing alternatives that align with Islamic principles ensures that children are not only developing valuable skills but also growing in an environment that reinforces their faith and values. It’s about seeking beneficial knowledge and permissible enjoyment, which ultimately leads to a more wholesome and spiritually enriching experience.

FAQ

What is Fixationacademy.co.uk?

Fixationacademy.co.uk is an online presence for the Fixation Academy of Performing Arts, a multi-award-winning academy based in North London and Hertfordshire, offering classes in acting, singing, dance, drama, and musical theatre for ages 3-18 and adults.

What services does Fixation Academy offer?

Fixation Academy offers weekly term-time classes, holiday camps during half-term and summer, birthday parties with performing arts themes, and opportunities to participate in annual full-scale productions and LAMDA exams.

Where are Fixation Academy classes located?

Based on the website, regular term-time classes take place in East Finchley and High Barnet, within North London and Hertfordshire. Holiday camps are held at Martin & Whittings Hill Primary Schools. Responsiblelife.co.uk Review

What ages does Fixation Academy cater to?

The academy caters to students from 3 years old in their ‘Baby Ballet’ and ‘Mini Movers’ classes, up to 18 years old in their ‘Youth Theatre’ class. They also work with adults with learning disabilities aged 18+.

How can I book a trial class at Fixation Academy?

You can book a trial class by visiting their classes page, selecting your desired class, time, and location, then clicking the ‘Book Your Trial’ button, creating an account (if new), and making payment.

How much do Fixation Academy classes cost?

Trial classes range from £7 for 30-minute sessions to £16.50 for 2-hour sessions. Term prices are split into an 11-month monthly payment plan, ranging from £22.81/month for 30-minute classes to £53.50/month for 2-hour classes.

What is the payment schedule for term classes?

Term payments are spread over 11 months, with no payment taken in August. Payments are typically calculated as the Termly Fee multiplied by 3 (for three terms in a year) and then divided by 11 months.

Can I pay for classes in a different way than monthly direct debit?

No, the website states that after research, monthly payments via direct debit are the most convenient and affordable way for all parents. However, holiday camps, parties, and other events can still be paid via direct debit and/or cash. Firstaid4less.co.uk Review

What is the cancellation policy for Fixation Academy subscriptions?

To cancel a class subscription, you must provide one month’s written notice via email to [email protected]. For full class discontinuation, written notice must be given by the end date of the current term to avoid charges for the following term.

Are refunds available for cancelled classes?

No, the website explicitly states: “Classes cannot be transferred, offered as credit or be refunded once a payment has been made.” Subscription payment amounts will be adjusted to cover the cancellation period.

Do Fixation Academy teachers have qualifications and checks?

Yes, the website states that all Academy teachers are “hand-picked industry professionals” and “experienced coaches” who are “fully DBS checked, insured and trained.”

Does Fixation Academy offer exams?

Yes, Fixation Academy currently offers LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Exams for their students.

Are there any free programmes or partnerships at Fixation Academy?

Yes, Fixation Academy partners with Barnet Council’s BACE holiday scheme to provide free places for young people at their holiday camps during the Easter, Summer, and Winter holidays. Firesafewestmidlands.co.uk Review

How do I contact Fixation Academy?

The website has a “Contact Us” page, and for subscription queries, they provide an email address: [email protected].

Does Fixation Academy have a shop for merchandise?

Yes, the website links to an external shop (allboogie.co.uk/store/fixation-academy-of-performing-arts/) where uniforms and merchandise might be available.

Is Fixation Academy active on social media?

Yes, the website provides links to their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram profiles.

What type of performances do students participate in?

Students work towards “annual full-scale productions, in house shows and other public performances such as community festivals and competitions throughout the year.”

What are the main disciplines taught at Fixation Academy?

The main disciplines taught include acting, singing, dance, drama, and musical theatre. Handtec.co.uk Review

What are the ethical concerns regarding Fixationacademy.co.uk’s offerings from an Islamic perspective?

From an Islamic perspective, the core activities like instrumental music, certain forms of dance, and theatrical performances can be problematic due to potential for immodesty, distraction, or association with entertainment that may not align with Islamic values.

What are some ethical alternatives to performing arts for children’s development?

Ethical alternatives include Islamic arts and crafts (calligraphy, geometric design), intellectual pursuits (debating, coding, science clubs), beneficial physical activities (martial arts, swimming, archery), community service, and intensive Quranic and Islamic studies.