22 October, 2025
The National Saturday Club Annual Review presents the latest research and evaluation from our UK-wide network. It also celebrates a landmark year, during which we welcomed new Clubs in Scotland, launched the Alumni Network newsletter, appointed a new Youth Board, and announced our first academic research project to advance studies on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Throughout the publication, data, research and case studies underscore the vital importance of equitable access to extracurricular education, evidencing the transformational effect of the National Saturday Club on the young people who take part. In addition, independent evaluation highlights the programme’s distinctive contribution to national priorities on opportunity, skills and social mobility.
122 Clubs
98 locations across the UK
8 creative subjects
2,350 young people
380 tutors and coordinators
At the National Saturday Club, we see firsthand how early access to creative education transforms young lives. Our mission is to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can build creative competencies, foundational skills for life and a pathway into the creative sector.
As the UK’s creative industries prepare to nearly double business investment to £31 billion by 2035, our work has never been more vital. By removing cost barriers and offering free, high-quality extracurricular learning, the Saturday Club equips young people with the confidence, creativity and curiosity to thrive in this fast-growing sector.
This year’s data speaks to the power of the Saturday Club programme and the incredible network:
80% of Club members came from a widening participation* background
41% were not taking part in any other out-of-school activities
84% noticed their skills had improved
82% have grown in confidence
76% have a better understanding of the study and learning options available to them
76% found that attending has improved their outlook on the future
89% of parents and guardians noticed that their child was more willing to try out new things
79% said their child’s wellbeing had improved
Behind each percentage is a story of transformation: young people discovering new passions, finding belonging and imagining new futures for themselves, whether they’ve been inspired by a Masterclass with industry, a visit to a museum or gallery, or seeing their work exhibited at Somerset House. Full impacts and outcomes can be found on pages 22-25.
This year’s Annual Review also publishes the National Saturday Club’s Theory of Change which articulates not just what we do but how it creates meaningful outcomes for young people and society. Read the deep dive on pages 26-29.
The National Saturday Club Annual Review is a testament to the power of a national movement built upon meaningful partnerships. At the heart is a structured model of delivery that thrives in many different settings, from further education colleges and universities to cultural institutions and community spaces. These innovative and local approaches are showcased in a series of case studies on pages 40-45. Kirklees Museums & University of Huddersfield share insights about their unique collaboration, while Activate Learning, Create Studios and Falmouth University demonstrate the model’s adaptability and impact.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the universities, colleges and cultural institutions that open their doors every Saturday. To the inspirational Club tutors and coordinators who create welcoming environments and encourage freedom of expression. To our funders and supporters, including Arts Council England, the BFI, British Fashion Council, the Clore Duffield Foundation, QEST and The Goldsmiths’ Company whose vision and generosity are increasing access to free, creative extracurricular education, as well as our cultural and industry partners whose expertise and committed support helps to inspire the next generation.
Read the Annual Review 2024-25
Applications are open to join a Club for the 2025–26 programme: Find your local Club
If you’re interested in running a Saturday Club: paul@saturday-club.org
To discuss donations or partnership opportunities: hannah@saturday-club.org
Press enquires: emily@saturday-club.org
Annual Review design by Studio Quercus, with thanks to Pentagram
* The National Saturday Club identifies young people to be from a Widening Participation (WP) background if they: receive free school meals; have experience of the care system; speak English as an additional language; experience disability; parents/guardians haven’t been to university; are refugees or asylum seekers; are young carers; are from a military family; are from an under-represented ethnic background; have special educational needs; have a neurodiversity; are D/deaf or hard of hearing; are from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boating community; and/or those who live in the 30% most deprived areas [Index of Multiple Deprivation].