Benefits

Child graduating children's university

Empowering young people to discover their future selves through fun, hands-on learning that builds confidence and independence.

At Children’s University (CU) we know that building resilience, optimism and self-belief starts with giving children the freedom to explore. That’s why we champion learning beyond the classroom, where kids can try new activities, discover hidden passions, visit exciting places, and most importantly, have fun while they learn.

From self-expectations to success: the CU impact

CU creates opportunities for children to build confidence, explore their interests, and develop a strong sense of identity through people, places, and experiences beyond the classroom.

By visiting validated Learning Destinations and logging hours in their Passport to Learning, students become active participants in their education, developing into confident, creative, successful learners and informed citizens. Along the way, they build friendships with like-minded peers, develop leadership skills, uncover new talents, and celebrate their achievements through a formal graduation ceremony.

CU provides real-world capabilities young people need to thrive. Every activity is intentionally designed to foster the following lifelong skills and attributes:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving – through stimulating, real-world challenges.
  • Agility and adaptability – by learning in a wide range of settings, often outside their comfort zone.
  • Empathy and global stewardship – through activities that encourage thinking beyond their own experience.
  • Resilience, grit and self-regulation – by engaging in voluntary, self-directed learning.
  • Curiosity, imagination and creativity – through experiences that spark wonder and exploration.
  • Initiative, innovation and entrepreneurism – inspiring future leaders and changemakers.
  • Effective oral and written communication – by practising real-world communication beyond the classroom.
  • Hope, optimism and vision – by connecting today’s learning with tomorrow’s opportunities.

At its heart, CU supports each learner’s journey in a way that is meaningful, personal, and empowering, helping them see not just who they are, but who they can become.

Empowering your child’s future, together 

CU supports not only students, but also the families and communities around them.  By encouraging curiosity-driven learning beyond the classroom, the program offers meaningful ways for parents and carers to be part of their child’s growth and development.

Through participation in CU, families can:

  • Strengthen communication, language, and social development as children take ownership of their learning journey.
  • Access quality-assured learning experiences in diverse, real-world environments, from museums to nature trails.
  • Foster a sense of belonging, being, and becoming, connecting children with their interests and local community.
  • Encourage confidence, responsibility, and independence, helping children make decisions and follow their passions.
  • Celebrate their child’s achievements, including at formal graduation ceremonies that recognise every milestone.

By supporting your child’s involvement in CU, you’re nurturing lifelong learning habits, building positive relationships, and laying the foundations for future success, all while sharing in the joy of discovery together.

Inspiring Whole-School Impact: Why Schools Choose CU

CU partners with schools to enhance student engagement, raise aspirations, and support achievement through high-quality, interest-led learning beyond the classroom.

By exposing students to new ideas, environments, and future possibilities — and connecting every activity to real-world academic pathways — CU fosters a lifelong love of learning. Students log their hours in a Passport to Learning (ages 5–14) or a Passport to Volunteering (ages 15–18), with formal graduation ceremonies celebrating their achievements in cap and gown.

Partnering with CU provides schools with:

  • Greater student engagement – Activities are voluntary, interest-led, and relevant to real-world learning. 
  • Improved attendance and academic outcomes – Research shows CU students attend more regularly and perform better.
  • Broadened aspirations – Students explore diverse careers and links to higher education.
  • Targeted support for disadvantaged cohorts – CU helps disrupt cycles of disadvantage through positive, self-directed learning.
  • Leadership and mentoring opportunities – Older students build skills through volunteering, peer mentoring, and school events. 
  • Stronger school-community connections – Schools partner with local museums, galleries, theatres, sports clubs, and more.

Every activity links to a real-world field of study. For example, a gardening club might connect to botany, food science, or environmental sustainability, helping students see how everyday interests can lead to future academic and career pathways.

CU has been independently evaluated by the University of Cambridge, with research identifying 10 key outcomes – known as the 10 As – consistently developed through participation:

  • Attendance - Improved school attendance. 
  • Attainment - Higher academic achievement.
  • Achievement - Broader learning experiences lead to greater personal accomplishment.
  • Attitude - More positive attitudes toward learning.
  • Aspiration - Raised ambitions through exposure to new environments. 
  • Agency - Greater ownership over learning choices.
  • Adventure - Opportunities to take on new and challenging activities.
  • Adaptability - Builds flexibility in students, teachers, and schools.
  • Awards - Certificates and graduations provide meaningful recognition. 
  • Advocacy - Widespread adoption shows the program’s value across contexts.

CU offers a proven, flexible framework that supports whole-school goals while inspiring students to imagine and achieve more.