A new standardfor Barre education.
CPD-accredited Barre instructor certification. One intensive day, eight modules, trained in person by an expert UBA instructor.
CPD accredited
UK Barre Academy, in two minutes.
The method, the training day, Maggie Paterson’s 40 years of experience, and our upcoming courses.
A new standard for Barre education, from day one.
UK Barre Academy is inviting a small group of qualified movement professionals to its Founding Instructor Programme: classical Barre technique combined with intelligent movement, strength, alignment, musicality and confident teaching practice.
participants per cohort, so everyone gets individual feedback
intensive training day, in person in London
CPD hours, independently accredited
years of ballet, dance, Pilates and fitness behind the method
Forty years of movement, in one method.
Maggie Paterson, founder of UK Barre Academy, brings her experience across ballet, dance, Pilates, yoga and fitness to every module, from alignment and core strength to musicality and confident class delivery.
From application to Founding Instructor.
Three steps, one day in the studio, and up to three months to practise before your assessment.
8 modules, 8 hours, one complete method.
Designed to help instructors understand not only how to perform Barre exercises, but how to teach them safely, effectively and confidently.
One intensive day · 9:30am–6:30pm- 01Foundations, Warm-Up and Alignment
- 02Pilates Core Foundation
- 03Feet, Ankles, Knees and Hips
- 04Classical Barre Technique
- 05Barre Flow, Choreography and Cardio Conditioning
- 06Upper Body Strength and Arm Definition
- 07Leg Strength and Barre Conditioning
- 08Barre Stretch, Mobility and Recovery
Movement professionals, ready to add Barre.
The programme is suitable for
- Pilates instructors
- Yoga teachers
- Personal trainers
- Group exercise instructors
- Dance teachers
- Experienced dancers
- Qualified fitness professionals adding Barre
Applicants are asked for their qualifications and relevant movement or teaching experience.
Your course fee includes
CPD accredited- Full practical training day
- 8-module UBA Method
- Training manual and workbook
- Teaching resources and class planning
- Up to 3 months to practise
- Practical video assessment
- Certification on successful assessment
- CPD-accredited specialist training
- No compulsory annual membership
- No ongoing licence or per-class fees
The framework, not a script
Combine the UBA formula with the Pilates, PT, yoga or dance experience you already bring.
No compulsory ongoing fees
No annual membership, licence or per-class fee to keep teaching the method.
UK Barre Academy is proud to be a CIMSPA Education Partner and CPD-accredited training provider.
CPD accreditedFounding cohort reviews
Well-balanced training
“The intensity of the course is well balanced. Whether you have prior training experience or not, everyone can make progress within this framework. It is an excellent course.”
A clear, structured approach
“The UBA training is highly systematic, with a complete sequence from warm-up and targeted muscle work through to the final cool-down. There is plenty to reflect on and explore.”
Music that motivates
“What I enjoyed most was the way music is paired with movement. It keeps the practice from feeling monotonous and gives great motivation to move with the rhythm.”
The value of a small group
“The small group format worked really well. I benefited from being able to contribute, exchange with others and listen to individual feedback.”
Exceeded my expectations
“The training exceeded my expectations. Maggie made the course engaging from start to finish, sharing her vast knowledge clearly and with passion and enthusiasm in an inclusive environment for all abilities.”
Practical, module by module
“I found the practical exercises throughout the day especially valuable to understand the concepts of each module. I have already bought a barre to practise at home!”
“An excellent course.”
“Highly systematic.”
“Great motivation to move.”
“Small group, real attention.”
“Exceeded my expectations.”
“Already bought a barre to practise at home!”
“An excellent course.”
“Highly systematic.”
“Great motivation to move.”
“Small group, real attention.”
“Exceeded my expectations.”
“Already bought a barre to practise at home!”
Completed cohorts
Our first Founding Instructors, at the end of their training day.
- Sunday 4 October 2026Founding cohortCompleted
- Sunday 25 October 2026City Academy, ClerkenwellCompleted
Dates & fee
One day of attendance, limited to 6–10 places per cohort. Full arrival details are shared ahead of your session.
- Sunday 4 October 2026Founding cohortCompleted
- Sunday 25 October 2026City Academy, ClerkenwellCompleted
- Saturday 5 December 2026The Manor, Finsbury ParkBooking now
New 2027 dates coming soon
The 2027 programme is being scheduled. Register your interest to hear first when booking opens.
The Manor, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP · 9:30am–6:30pm
By booking you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Founding Instructor Course
- Eight hours of practical, in-person training
- The complete eight-module method and handbook
- UBA certification and Independent CPD Accreditation
- Founding Instructor recognition
- Priority access to future UBA training
Please read our Terms & Conditions (including cancellations and refunds) before booking.
A 50% introductory rate for the inaugural cohort, in return for constructive feedback after the course.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book. Anything else, email hello@ukbarreacademy.com.
What qualifications or experience do applicants need?
UK Barre Academy is designed for people who already have a background in teaching movement, fitness or dance.
Our training is suitable for qualified fitness instructors, personal trainers, Pilates and yoga teachers, and experienced or appropriately trained dance teachers.
You don’t need to be a dancer or have previous Barre teaching experience.
We welcome applicants from different movement backgrounds and are happy to discuss individual experience and qualifications before booking.
Is the video assessment included in the £250 course fee?
Yes. Your standard video assessment is included in the £250 Founding Instructor course fee, which increases to £500 from 2027.
After your training day, you’ll have up to three months to practise and prepare.
You’ll then submit a video of yourself teaching three UBA modules to at least two participants. One of your chosen modules must be Module 5 or Module 7.
There are no additional written assignments to complete after the training day.
Certification is awarded once you’ve successfully passed your practical assessment.
What should trainees bring and wear on the day?
Please wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely. You’ll be taking part in practical sessions throughout the day, so come prepared to exercise.
We recommend bringing:
- A water bottle
- A pen or pencil for taking notes
- Lunch or money to purchase food locally
- Any personal items you may need for a full day of movement
You’ll receive your UK Barre Academy Instructor Training Manual on the day, so there’s no need to print anything beforehand.
Is lunch provided, and what are the breaks?
Lunch isn’t provided, but we have a one-hour lunch break during the training day.
You’re very welcome to bring your own lunch or explore the nearby cafés and restaurants.
There will also be opportunities for short water and comfort breaks during the practical sessions.
Our training days are full of practical movement and learning, so we make sure everyone has time to rest and refuel.
Full details, including the day’s schedule, will be provided in your joining instructions.
Once certified, can instructors teach anywhere, under their own name?
Absolutely. Our aim is to give you the knowledge, structure and confidence to make the UK Barre Academy method your own.
Once you’ve successfully completed your assessment, you can teach Barre independently, including under your own name or business, provided you have the appropriate professional qualifications, insurance and any approvals required by the venue or employer.
You’ll also be entitled to describe yourself as a UK Barre Academy Certified Instructor, in accordance with our branding guidelines.
Your certification does not expire. Optional UBA Active Instructor Membership is available for those who would like continued resources, updates and additional branding benefits.
UBA certification does not authorise you to train or certify other instructors in the UBA method.
Does certification help with insurance?
Your UBA certification provides evidence that you’ve completed specialist, CPD-accredited Barre instructor training and successfully passed a practical teaching assessment.
This may support an application to add Barre instruction to your existing professional insurance.
However, insurance providers have their own requirements, so we recommend contacting your insurer to confirm that Barre teaching is included in your policy.
UBA certification does not automatically provide insurance or guarantee acceptance by an insurer.
Who accredits the CPD hours?
UK Barre Academy’s instructor training has been independently assessed and accredited by The CPD Standards Office.
The programme includes eight hours of practical instructor training, followed by a practical teaching assessment.
Following successful completion, instructors receive their UK Barre Academy Instructor Certification, recognising their specialist training and practical teaching competence.
What happens if someone misses part of the day or fails the assessment?
We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise.
As this is a practical training programme, trainees must complete the required course content, participation and assessment requirements before certification can be awarded.
If you’re unable to attend or miss part of the day, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss the available options, including whether a transfer or additional training can be arranged.
If you don’t pass your assessment first time, don’t worry.
You’ll receive constructive feedback explaining what needs further development, along with the opportunity to improve and resubmit.
Your first video resubmission is complimentary. Any subsequent video assessments cost £50.
Our aim is to support you in becoming a confident, knowledgeable and capable Barre instructor, not simply to hand out certificates.
