Children's University

Leeds Trinity University's partnership with the Children's University stems from a commitment to addressing barriers to accessing higher education, which is outlined in our Access and Participation Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28 (APP) (PDF, 2.2MB). It particularly serves primary schools within Leeds that experience high levels of intersectional disadvantage.

Too often, university investment is embedded within post-16 interventions. However, we believe this journey begins long before students reach post-16 education. That’s why we’re investing in early, sustained and collaborative outreach with primary schools, families and community partners. This work supports long-term institutional priorities in closing the gaps in areas of access, success and progression for students who are exposed to structural inequalities.

Ammarah Pandor, Access and Participation Lead

What is Children’s University?

The Children's University is a national initiative overseen by the Children's University Trust and delivered by a network of local partner organisations across the UK. 

Leeds Trinity University is the lead partner for the Leeds region, working with local schools, community groups and families to provide high-quality, inspiring learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.

Children earn credits for taking part in a wide range of validated activities such as swimming, library visits and attending community events which build towards graduation ceremonies held annually at Leeds Trinity University.

Our aims through partnering with Children’s University:

Foster a love of learning by connecting children to wider opportunities 

  • Children's University helps young people discover new interests, build confidence and develop important life skills through exciting activities outside the classroom.  

Raise aspirations 

  • By trying new experiences, including visits to Leeds Trinity University, children begin to see learning as fun and full of possibilities, helping them imagine bright futures and aim high. 

Support attainment 

  • Taking part in regular, high-quality extra-curricular activities supports children's progress in school, helping to improve confidence, engagement and academic achievement.

How does it work for primary schools?

Step 1: Eligibility 

  • We will prioritise working with primary schools that experience high levels of intersectional disadvantage (see further details in our APP - Access and Participation Plan 2024-25 to 2027-28).  
  • If you are unsure whether your school would be eligible, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your circumstances and explore the possibility of your school being involved. 

Step 2: Enrolment 

  • Submit an expression of interest to childrensuniversity@leedstrinity.ac.uk.  
  • Appoint a School Children's University Lead (someone to lead the project in school). 
  • Co-facilitate a launch event to share information with staff, children and parents/carers.  
  • Enrol children that will be taking part in the programme onto the Children's University online dashboard. 

Step 3: Learning activities

Types of activities Leeds Trinity University and schools can provide through Children's University: 

  • School-led clubs: such as STEM, reading, art, drama, chess, or eco/gardening clubs delivered by school staff. 
  • After-school and lunchtime enrichment: regular sessions or project-based clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom. 
  • Enrichment events and workshops: including museum visits, university taster sessions, visiting speakers or sessions run by approved external providers. 
  • Community-based opportunities: activities children can access outside school, such as local library programmes, sports coaching, Scouts/Guides or volunteering with recognised organisations. 
  • Home learning activities: structured projects completed at home that meet Children's University criteria and include appropriate evidence. 

Validation of activities:

  • All activities and Learning Destinations must be validated by Leeds Children's University. This ensures that clubs and providers are appropriate and meet the Children's University learning framework. 

Step 4: Credits and awards

Recording credits

  • When children participate in approved activities, they then log credits in their physical Learning Passports or by using the online platform. 

Certificates and awards 

  • Bronze, Silver, Gold awards and certificates are given as pupils as they reach key milestones. 
  • Rewards can include badges, stickers, postcards home, Leeds Trinity University exclusive prizes and celebration assemblies. 

Graduation 

  • Pupils who reach 100 credits will be invited to the Leeds Children's University Graduation Ceremony, held at Leeds Trinity University Horsforth campus. 
  • Families are invited to celebrate pupils' achievements.

Evaluation

Evaluation will play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of the Leeds Children's University programme. We will gather feedback from both schools and participating children to understand their experiences and identify areas for improvement. Data from the Children's University online dashboard and event data will be used to monitor engagement and measure impact. This information will also provide schools with valuable insights into their enrichment offer, supporting internal review and providing robust evidence for Ofsted. This combined approach will enable us to assess the programme’s impact and ensure it is successfully providing children with meaningful opportunities to learn, develop new skills and broaden their aspirations.

Contact details

If you are a Leeds based primary school, a potential out-of-school learning provider or have a general interest in the programme, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us on childrensuniversity@leedstrinity.ac.uk.