Children’s University is a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning and raise aspirations in children. It is an award scheme for ages 5-14 that encourages and celebrates participation in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school. From after school clubs, to museums, to sports clubs, they collect credits for each activity towards their next certificate. At the end of the year, each Children’s University school holds a graduation to celebrate the hard work of the children.

Benefits and How it Works

By the time a child turns 18, they will only have spent around 9% of their waking life in a classroom. Children’s University is about making the most of the remaining 91%.

Research shows that participation in extra-curricular activities can positively impact on attainment, increase a pupil’s positive identification with school, and build self-confidence and resilience. Research also shows that children that do not have access to these opportunities fall behind, lack confidence, and fail to develop career aspirations. The resulting attainment gap is so significant that 25% of children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieve below expected attainment levels.

These activities can include:

• After school or lunch-time clubs.
• Clubs outside of school such as Guides, Scouts or sports clubs.
• Educational visits to places like museums or zoo (these can be with school or with friends/family, as long as they learn something).
• Activities at home such as completing one of out Children’s University challenge sheets.

We want every child that takes part in Children’s University to feel:

• That learning can be fun, aspirational, and lifelong.
• They have enjoyed a range of new learning experiences and are motivated to keep learning in different ways.
• They have grown in confidence and self-belief.
• They have a broader range of essential skills in line with the Skills Builder Framework
• They are empowered to make positive choices about their future.
• They can better cope with the challenges that life throws at them.
• They are celebrated for their commitment to learning by their family, school, and community.

Contact Us:

If your school would like to join University of Wolverhampton Children's University, please email us: UoWCU@wlv.ac.uk.