Harrow Children’s University (HCU) has marked the end of its first year with two graduation ceremonies recognising the achievements of more than 200 primary school pupils across the borough.
The programme was launched in 2024 through a partnership between John Lyon’s Foundation – which includes John Lyon’s Charity, The John Lyon School and Harrow School – and Young Harrow Foundation. It was set up to tackle the low number of Harrow schools applying for funding for arts activities from John Lyon’s Charity via its Home-School-Community – Cultural Capital Fund.
By bringing together the resources of John Lyon’s Foundation and Young Harrow Foundation, the initiative has connected schools with a range of local services and enrichment activities, giving children access to learning experiences outside the classroom.
HCU builds on similar projects funded by John Lyon’s Charity in Ealing and Westminster. It is part of a wider effort to make sure all children, no matter their background, can benefit from extracurricular learning. Research shows that these opportunities improve academic performance, confidence and mental wellbeing.
However, many families still face barriers. A report from the Campaign for Learning revealed that nearly half of children are missing out on out-of-school trips because of rising living costs, with those from disadvantaged backgrounds three times more likely to be excluded.
Locally, the HAY (How Are You, Harrow?) survey gathered feedback from over 6,800 young people in 29 schools. The findings included:
- 1 in 5 primary pupils worried about running out of food.
- 76% reported feeling anxious or nervous.
- 65% said they often felt down or depressed.
- Cost was a major barrier to joining sports and enrichment activities.
Perhaps most strikingly, only half of the young people surveyed said they felt hopeful about their future, highlighting the need for projects like Children’s University.
Through the programme, pupils take part in activities beyond the school day, including after-school clubs, trips to museums and universities, and social action projects. Their progress is recorded in personalised “passports,” and when they reach the required number of hours, they graduate in a ceremony recognising their efforts.
This year, The John Lyon School supported three primary schools – Welldon Park Academy, Grange Primary and St Bernadette’s Primary – by offering volunteer help to log learning hours. Harrow School also contributed, running drama and music workshops, film screenings, and other creative sessions.
Overall, 420 children in Harrow have logged an impressive 36,213.35 hours of enrichment activities through the scheme.
“John Lyon’s Charity is proud of this joint initiative that has harnessed the resources of John Lyon’s Foundation to benefit local children and young people in Harrow.”
With programmes now running in Westminster, Ealing and Harrow, John Lyon’s Charity is encouraging other schools, community organisations and councils to consider adopting the Children’s University model.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
