The Children’s University is a charity that works in partnership with schools to develop a love of learning in children. We do this by encouraging and celebrating the participation of 5-14 year olds in extra-curricular activities in and outside of school.
Children are given their own ‘Passport to Learning’ in which they are encouraged to collect hours of learning towards awards for 30, 65 and 100 hours of learning.
Schools already offer an amazing range of opportunities for out of school learning through lunchtime and after school clubs. The Children’s University works with schools to encourage their pupils to take part in learning activities outside their normal school hours.
Children are able to collect stamp codes in their Passport to Learning for attending lunchtime and after school clubs, as well as at Learning Destinations both locally and nationally. Children and parents then upload the stamp codes to their personal dashboard on CU Online, used in conjunction with the Passport to Learning.
Celebrating children's learning beyond the school curriculum, with the support of the College Principal and Children's University Coordinator is at the heart of Wakefield and Selby Children's University. Initially, children are rewarded for participation with Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates. As they progress through the different levels, we expect children to play a more active part in their learning, producing evidence and displays of their learning to achieve these certificates.
Each year we hold a graduation ceremony in June for those members who have achieved a Gold level award (100, 200, 300, etc). The events are facilitated by the college’s and parents are encouraged to attend. Wearing a mortar board and gown, children will be presented with an award – just like a real graduation.
What’s Included:
To get involved or to find out more information, download the Start Up Guide for Schools or contact a member of the Children’s University team at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group on 01924 789746 or email
It’s easy to become a member of the Children’s University - you can do this through your child’s school. If their school is not currently involved with the Children’s University, or if they are Home Educated, take a look at our Individual Membership section.
Where can I get a Passport to Learning?
If your child attends a CU partner school, they will be able to issue you with a Passport to Learning and an online account. The cost for this is £3.50 and includes certificates, attendance at the graduation ceremony (if applicable), activities set by our Children’s University during school holidays, quarterly newsletters and invites to events at the college for CU members.
Where can I use the Passport to Learning?
Your child can collect Learning Hours at lunchtime and after school clubs if their school is a CU partner. You can also use the Passport at Learning Destinations in the area such as visitor attractions, libraries, museums and at clubs and activities that have been validated by our Children’s Universities. You can also visit Learning Destinations outside of area– from Scotland down to Cornwall, most cities have a Children’s University! All our Learning Destinations are available on the national CU website. Just search by name or area to find what you’re looking for. www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/activity-search.
What is CU Online?
CU Online is a fun, safe and secure online space to record what your child is doing as part of the Children’s University. It is designed to be used alongside the Passport to Learning – simply collect stamp codes in the Passport and enter them online to add Learning Hours. The codes are unique to each activity and will show you the interests and skills your child is developing by taking part. Each child will have their own online dashboard which will help them see how they’re progressing towards the next award level. There are also online-only exclusive badges to collect. As a parent/carer, you are able to access this dashboard using the login details provided. You also have the option to add your email address to the account in case of a forgotten password.
What happens if I lose my Passport to Learning?
All the Passports have a sticker in the back asking whoever finds it to return it to the our Children’s University. If it is returned, we’ll make sure you get it back. If it isn’t returned, unfortunately you will have to buy a new one.
For more information download our Parent Guide to the Children’s University or contact a member of the Children’s University team at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group on 01924 789746 or email
Children’s University Wakefield - Parent & Carer Guide
Children’s University Selby - Parent & Carer Guide
If your child’s school is not a CU partner, or if your child is Home Educated, you are able to become a member of the Children’s University on an individual basis.
Being an Individual Member means you still get all the benefits of the Children’s University, but you would liaise directly with the team instead of a school staff member.
We will request Learning Hours on a regular basis and post any certificates due to your home address. You will still have access to all Learning Destinations with the exception of lunchtime and after school clubs.
Membership runs on a yearly basis and updates every September at the beginning of the academic year and costs £25 per year for new members and £15 for those that renew. This covers the costs of certificates, the graduation ceremony and activities and events throughout the year.
To get involved, or if you would like more information, download the Individual Membership Form or contact a member of the Children’s University team at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group on 01924 789746 or email
Children’s University Wakefield - PIndividual Member Guide
Children’s University Selby - Individual Member Guide
If you are interested in becoming a Learning Destination, please visit www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/get-involved/learning-providers and complete the online form. You will then be contacted to complete your validation and will receive a welcome pack with everything you need to get started with us.
By joining us as a Learning Destination you will:
If you would like any more information, please contact a member of the Children’s University team at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group on 01924 789746 or email
Learning Destinations must provide activities which children take part in voluntarily, are outside of normal school hours and suitable for ages 5-14. You can email us your recommendation to or you can direct the activity provider to the following link - www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/get-involved/learning-providers where they can sign up directly.
All validated Learning Destinations are on the CU Trust website and you can search by area or activity name. This is handy if you are travelling outside of the area and would like to know if there’s any Learning Destinations in the area you are going to.
Rachel Rayner
Wakefield and Selby Children's University Coordinator
01924 789746
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