RAISING PUPILS' ATTENDANCE & ACHIEVEMENT

04 Feb 2011

Pupils' attendance, achievement and enjoyment of learning are all significantly improved by taking part in The Children's University, according to an independent evaluation of the scheme.

The Children's University is a national charity that aims to improve social mobility by providing out-of-hours learning for 7 - 14 year olds, particularly those from economically deprived areas. It currently works with over 70,000 children in 83 local "universities" across England, Wales and Scotland.

The evaluation, conducted by Cambridge University, found that:

being in the Children's University significantly improves school attendance.
achievement is significantly better at key Stages 1 to 3 for children who participate compared with non-attenders.
pupils and teachers testify to "life changing experiences".
university settings help to inspire and raise aspirations for children and their parents.

The author of the evaluation - Prof. John MacBeath of Cambridge University - said: “…Children’s University pupils attend better by virtue of the activities which enhance their school experience... achieve better by virtue of renewed self-confidence in their own potential...<and> enjoy learning more because they extend their repertoire of interests and see learning in a new light …”

The scheme began in the early 1990s as a Saturday school project. It now offers certificates ('The Passport to Learning") to children who attend its courses. All attendance is voluntary. The local centres - many of which have links with real universities - offer university-style learning, including graduation ceremonies, as part of the aim of encouraging children to aim for higher education.

The Children's University website: www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/

The evaluation is here: www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/evaluation2010/