Sheffield CU Report Highlights the Power of Enrichment
Sheffield Children’s University (CU) has published its latest Impact Report, showcasing the difference that enrichment opportunities can make in the lives of children and young people across the city.
The report highlights the reach, achievements and outcomes of Sheffield CU during 2024/25 and reinforces the importance of schools, families and partners working together to create opportunities beyond the classroom.
During 2024/25, almost 8,000 children and young people participated in Sheffield CU, recording more than 235,000 hours of learning and enrichment activity. The programme worked with 51 schools across the city and supported over 2,200 pupils eligible for Pupil Premium, alongside more than 1,200 children and young people with SEND.
The report’s latest analysis found that pupils with recorded CU participation generally experienced stronger attainment and attendance outcomes than their non-CU peers. This positive relationship was also evident among disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND. While no single factor determines a child’s outcomes, the findings add to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the value of high-quality enrichment experiences.
Behind the statistics are thousands of individual stories of children discovering new interests, developing confidence, building skills, making connections and accessing opportunities they might not otherwise have experienced. To bring this to life, the report also features a CU alumni case study from Leo Johnson, who reflects on how Children’s University helped him explore different activities, discover new interests and make decisions that shaped his future.
At a time when schools are strengthening personal development and responding to the Department for Education’s Enrichment Benchmarks, the report highlights the important role that enrichment can play in supporting participation, achievement and belonging. Sheffield CU continues to work alongside schools, Learning Destinations and partners to help ensure that opportunities are accessible to as many children and young people as possible, particularly those who face barriers to participation.
The achievements outlined in the report reflect the collective efforts of schools, families, universities, employers, community organisations, local partners and council colleagues across Sheffield. Their support helps create meaningful opportunities for children and young people and ensures that enrichment remains visible, valued and accessible.
As part of the wider South Yorkshire Children’s University network, the report provides a valuable example of how local partnerships can work together to improve access to enrichment and support positive outcomes for children and young people.
Read the Sheffield Children’s University Impact Report 2024/25 to learn more about the difference enrichment is making and the opportunities that can be created when schools, partners and communities work together: https://bit.ly/SCUImpact2024-25
