The London South East Children’s University saw 670 local children graduate from 14 different schools across Bexley this year.

The Children’s University has seen 2,691 children graduate in Bexley since beginning in 2018, racking up more than 120,000 hours of extra-curricular learning.

Children can graduate at different levels – from a Bronze Award at 30 hours, all the way up to 1,000 hours with a Gold Fellowship – and many graduate each year as they continue to take part in activities which earn them stamps across the years.

Graduation ceremonies were held at Woodside Academy, Belmont School, Sherwood Park Primary School, Dulverton Primary School, Lime Wood Primary School, Belvedere Junior School, Aspire Academy, Northumberland Heath Primary School, Willow Bank Primary School, Peareswood Primary School and St Paul’s (Slade Green) CofE Primary School.

Crook Log Primary School and Bedonwell Infant and Junior School had ceremonies which took place at the Civic Offices with the Mayor of Bexley presenting the graduates with their certificates.

Cllr Caroline Newton, Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Christine Catterall attended the ceremony for the Virtual School for Children in Care to congratulate the children.

Cllr Newton said: 

It was wonderful to be able to share a special moment with just some of the children who have worked so hard to graduate this year. It has been a busy year for the pupils taking part and we are delighted to see 670 children graduate this year alone.

We are incredibly proud of our Children’s University graduates. Their achievements reflect the vibrant learning culture in our borough and the strong support of our schools, families and local partners. 

These young people are shining examples of what can be accomplished through curiosity, commitment and community and we are looking forward to celebrating our next round of graduates next year.” 

The Children’s University is a national scheme all about rewarding school-aged children for taking part in learning outside the classroom, trying new experiences and acquiring new skills through extra-curricular activities.

Children who are part of the scheme receive a Passport to Learning and an online account and each time they take part in a validated activity, they earn a time stamp which add up across the year in preparation for graduation in the summer term. 

Activities include taking part in challenges, a virtual club, school clubs and visiting Learning Destinations.

Learning Destinations are local (and national) organisations who offer activities to children and we have a wide range of Learning Destinations in Bexley, from musical theatre and yoga to martial arts and art clubs.

Find out more the Children's University by reading its programme on the Council website.