UK Official Tattoo Academy

Tattoo and piercing academy based in Romford and Dublin

UK Official Tattoo Academy is a training centre specialising in tattooing and piercing that presents itself as the longest-running tattoo academy in the United Kingdom, teaching since 1990. Its main location is at The Quadrant Arcade, South St, Romford RM1 3ED, opposite Primark, and it also has a branch in Ireland at the Rua Red Arts Centre, Blessington Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 KV8N. The academy states that it no longer operates from its former address at 122-124 North Street, Romford, RM1 1DL.

The training combines classroom theory and practice. The courses are designed both for complete beginners with no prior knowledge and for experienced artists and piercers who want to start a new career or expand their training. Classes are taught in small groups and practical work is done on real models, not rubber mannequins. The academy states that its programmes are updated to comply with current legislation and regulations.

Tattoo and piercing courses

The offer includes a two-week tattoo course in London, aimed at obtaining a diploma or certificate that certifies the experience required by UK health authority standards. The programme covers everything from needle and skin preparation to carrying out different tattoos on real models. The academy provides information to verify the validity of the certificate in other countries.

The two-day piercing course provides a solid foundation for developing a career as a piercer, with practical training on real models. It is complemented by a two-day cover-up course, designed as a masterclass for experienced artists, taught by an instructor with more than twenty years in the industry.

The academy also offers training in other locations: tattoo courses in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Newcastle, piercing courses in the UK and a piercing course in Glasgow (Scotland). In Ireland it offers tattoo courses. It also has an apprenticeship programme and a theory test centre.

Facilities and support services

Training takes place in an academy built specifically for this activity. Among the support services, the academy mentions accommodation for students and a free transfer service. It also runs an in-store tattoo supply shop and an online merchandise store.

Recognition and international reach

The academy presents itself as the number one in the UK and Europe and claims to have been recognised as the UK and Europe school of tattooing in 2024. It notes that it receives students from all over the world and that its courses are internationally recognised. The page shows testimonials from students who highlight the clarity of the explanations, the treatment by the teaching staff and the cleanliness and hygiene of the facilities.

Promotions valid at the time of analysis

The site indicated a 40% offer on tattoo courses, with a price of £1899 instead of £2998, valid until 30 September 2026, with booking via a £300 deposit and the rest payable later. It also announced the inclusion of a wireless stencil machine with every tattoo course booking, subject to availability.

Locations and premises

Location 1: The Quadrant Arcade, South St, Romford RM1 3ED

Location 2: Rua Red Arts Centre, Blessington Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 KV8N