Children's University Programme in Harrow
Inspiring children to discover their potential
The Children's University (CU) is a charity working with primary schools and organisations like the Young Harrow Foundation to encourage and celebrate participation in extra-curricular activities in and out of school for primary school children of all backgrounds.
Harrow Children's University is funded by John Lyon’s Charity and implemented through the Young Harrow Foundation with the support of Harrow School and John Lyon School.
Benefits of the programme
Children’s University has been running in Harrow since 2024, with six schools taking part in the programme so far and two more joining next year. Partner schools engage in the programme for a full academic year, during which they are connected to a wide range of enrichment activities offered by the voluntary sector, community groups, and private schools, tailored to their pupils.
Students who attend these activities (in school, after school, in the community and from their existing extra-curricular clubs) will collect points. After collecting several points, students will be invited to a graduation ceremony.
The programme supports primary school children to build confidence, resilience, develop new skills outside the classroom, and a sense of belonging through participation in enrichment activities.
Desired outcomes for children involved in the programme:
- Grown in confidence and self-belief
- Enjoy new experiences, in new places, wanting to keep exploring
- Have a broader range of essential skills
- Empowered to make positive choices about their future
- Learning can be fun, aspirational and lifelong
- Access to multiple activities and opportunities
- Appreciated and celebrated for their commitment to learning by their family, school and community
-
How can schools get involved?
This offer is open to primary schools in Harrow and will be offered to seven schools over 3 years. We have closed applications for this year, but you can nominate your school here for next year.
-
Does it have a cost to schools?
The programme is FREE for primary schools, thanks to funding from John Lyon's Charity.
Some CU activities that will be offered will be free for students, and some in the community may carry a small charge. Your school's existing extracurricular activities and trips will qualify as CU activities and count towards your students' points.
-
Can schools keep track of the student's achievements?
Yes. Once students have signed up for the programme, schools can track their participation and document the activities they engage in.
You can download reports that:
- Showcase the range of opportunities available to students
- Highlight the skills being cultivated in alignment with the Skills Builder framework
- Discern which categories of learning are preferred,
- Identify areas for further enhancement and growth
-
Is there training for school staff?
CU online training is available to schools and is provided by Children’s University.
The session is informative and helps the staff to use the platform more effectively. It could also be used for the CPD hours.
-
Can schools upload activities?
Your school activities can be uploaded to CU Online where only your students can view them.
Activities may include before and after-school clubs, special projects or holiday activities, providing there is learning involved. You and your team. If you are unsure if an activity can be included, please get in touch.
-
What's a Learning Destination?
The Learning Destinations are school-based and community-based activities.
Once registered, students can start participating in activities provided by validated Learning Destinations.
2024-2025 Children's University Graduation Ceremony
This was our very first Children’s University graduation in Harrow, and to hold it in such a special venue — the historic Speech Room at Harrow School — made it all the more meaningful. It was a proud moment to recognise their hard work and curiosity and to celebrate the power of learning.”
Organisations involved
Harrow Children's University is funded by John Lyon’s Charity and implemented through the Young Harrow Foundation with the support of Harrow School and John Lyon School.
