What is Children's University? 

Children’s University is a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning in children. We do this by encouraging and celebrating participation in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school. The impact of these activities is proven to be positive which is why we’re committed to creating a level playing field of opportunity and opening up access to children of all backgrounds.

The need for Children’s University

By the time a child turns 18, they will have spent just 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.

Key outcomes we want for every child

For every child that takes part in Children’s University, we want the following outcomes:

• They feel they have grown in confidence and self-belief
• They have enjoyed new experiences, in new places and want to keep exploring
• They believe they have a broader range of essential skills
• They feel empowered to make positive choices about their future
• They see learning that is fun, aspirational and lifelong
• They feel their eyes have been opened to a multiplicity of learning activities and opportunities
• They feel celebrated for their commitment to learning by their family, school and community. 

How can children earn stamps?

Children own a Passport to Learning and collect stamp codes for participation in activities at validated Learning Destinations, many of which take place within school. Learning in school includes everything from school run after school clubs, TASC day, school culture competitions, school residentials, in-school music lessons, visiting the school library and other activities that take place within school. Hours can also be earnt for attending out of school activities/places such as swimming, football, martial arts, language classes or through educational visits such as museums. The list is quite extensive as to the places and activities available and the above are just a small snapshot. School will update you and send home ideas and information of free events running in the local area regularly.

As a school we want as many children as possible to have access to the passport and support all children in building hours.

Stamp codes are then entered onto your own personal online dashboard where you can keep track of Learning Hours, activities and certificates.

Children and young people can collect stamp codes in their Passport at Learning Destinations across the country. To find out where these are, visit www.childrensuniversity.co.uk.

Children are rewarded with certificates upon reaching certain thresholds:

• Bronze Award = 30 hours

• Silver Award = 65 hours

• Gold Award = 100 hours

The certificates follow these increments up to 1000 hours, meaning there are 30 certificates to collect in total