This organisation commenced it activities with the name of South London Tamil School (SLTS) on 14th January 1984. During early days, SLTS was an informal volunteer organisation and ran by volunteers as teachers to teach Tamil Language and South Indian Classical music for the children of Tamil and South Indian origin. Over the years, the school became a well structured organisation with much more activities not only for the benefit of children but also for the benefit of the wider community. The growing needs of the wider community and their aspirations resulted in establishing the Croydon Academy of Eastern Arts (CAEA) in 1997 incorporating the SLTS. Major teaching activities take place during the weekends at the Ashbutorn Learning Village at Shirley Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 7AL.

The classes are conducted in a modern environment and there are excellent facilities available for the students and parents including a free car park and community library.