Children’s University: Unlocking Potential Beyond the Classroom

Surrounded by proud families, teachers and the organisations that had supported them throughout the year, the children celebrated a year of discovering new interests, taking on new challenges and learning beyond the classroom.

Made possible through funding from John Lyon’s Charity and delivered through Young Harrow Foundation with the support of Harrow School and John Lyon School, Children’s University gives primary school children access to enriching learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, pupils take part in extracurricular activities delivered by charities, community organisations and local partners, collecting learning hours that culminate in a graduation ceremony celebrating their commitment and achievements.

Since launching in Harrow in 2024, the programme has engaged 866 children across six schools, who have collectively completed almost 150,000 hours of learning beyond the classroom through 387 validated enrichment activities.

Watch the highlights from this year’s Children’s University journey below to see some of the amazing experiences that made this year’s graduations so special. [ video]

Throughout the year, pupils explored a wide range of experiences designed to broaden their horizons. They learnt about democracy and public speaking through Kidocracy, picked up an instrument and performed together with Young RockStarz, explored theatre and storytelling with Unique Community, challenged their problem-solving skills through MathsMakers, learned skating with Urban Studios Sessions built confidence and resilience through creative workshops, enjoyed a day on the water with The Canoe Sports Trust, and joined us to celebrate the end of year at our Winter Wonderland last December.

One of this year’s standout experiences brought together girls from four Harrow primary schools for a dedicated Girls Play Chess Day, delivered by She Plays To Win. For many, it was their first introduction to chess, helping to develop strategic thinking while encouraging more girls to engage with a game where women remain underrepresented.

Some children described Children’s University as “the most fun you’ve ever had in your entire life.” Others found the confidence to continue singing after performing with their choir, while one pupil discovered a love of chess, saying, “I wanted to learn it, and nobody in my family has played chess.” For many, trying something completely new helped them discover interests and abilities they never knew they had.

Mrs McNicholas from Aylward Primary School reflected: “Their teamwork and communication skills have really grown. Seeing them tackle new challenges, develop a more positive mindset and realise they can do things they never thought possible has been wonderful”

That impact reflects the findings of the HAY Harrow report, which shows that cost, accessibility and feeling unwelcome can prevent children from taking part in activities that support their wellbeing and personal development. Children’s University helps remove some of those barriers by connecting pupils with enriching opportunities through their schools and Harrow’s voluntary sector.

Dan Burke, CEO of Young Harrow Foundation, said:

“Children’s University shows what’s possible when schools and the voluntary sector work together. By connecting schools with Harrow’s incredible charities and community organisations, we’re giving more children access to experiences that build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop skills.”

The programme will continue next year as Glebe Primary School and Earlsmead Primary School complete their Children’s University journey, giving even more children across Harrow the chance to unlock their potential beyond the classroom.