This year, we were at Think Tank Birmingham Science Museum for the annual National Saturday Club Tutors’ Conference.
The Tutors’ Conference is a chance for Club tutors and coordinators from across the UK to connect and gain new insights from each other and leading voices in creative education.
The conference is a key professional development opportunity for our national network of creative educators, helping to shape and strengthen the National Saturday Club’s programme for the future. Here are the highlights…
1. Keynote speaker – Stephen Maddock, Principal, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Stephen Maddock was our keynote speaker at this year’s Tutors’ Conference. He reflected on Birmingham’s creative and cultural identity, youth engagement and the role of higher education in inspiring young people through opportunities like the National Saturday Club.
“We’re in this paradox where we know that there are a lot of young people that would benefit from the type of performance degree that we teach, but are in a part of the country where the postcode lottery means that they do not have many opportunities – this is where National Saturday Club fills that important gap.”
2. CPD session: Neuro-inclusive essentials for tutors – led by Nathaniel Hawley, Divergent Thinking
Nathaniel is a Neurodiversity champion and advocate for people with learning differences. Recognised by HRH The Prince of Wales, he’s a Pride of Britain and Autism Professional of the Year nominee, celebrated for his advocacy and public speaking.
He led a CPD session on neuro-inclusive essentials – a practical, strengths‑based workshop providing usable strategies for making Club sessions more neuro‑inclusive. Including myth‑busting, hands‑on scenarios and a compact toolkit.
3. Workshop and research project: Creative health and wellbeing – led by UCL Research Team
University College London Research Team hosted a workshop as part of our academic research study: “Creativity for All: An impact evaluation study of community-based creative education on young people’s mental health outcomes in the UK” . This project will advance the understanding of how creative education impacts young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
The discussion-based workshop was built on Club tutor insights gathered by the UCL research team. They explored what makes a creative, safe and inclusive environment that supports young people’s mental health.
4. Panel discussion: What does it mean to be a young person in 2025?
Chair: Krishna Maroo, Outreach Manager, University of West London
Youth panellists: Florrie, Rishaan, Zora, Joy
Krishna Maroo chaired a panel discussion exploring what it means to be a young person in 2025. Krishna is a widening participation and engagement specialist with over 20 years’ experience working with and for young people and communities. She’s also an Outreach Manager at the University of West London and a former Trustee of the National Saturday Club.
The panellists were made up of a dynamic group of National Saturday Club alumni panellists who discussed the opportunities and barriers facing the next generation, as well as their aspirations and ambitions for the future.
“If I could change one thing, it would be to give every young person someone who genuinely believes in them.” Alumni member
“So many people in my Saturday Club felt it was safe to speak with my tutor because it was like a second family to them. Some of these people don’t have that at home, and it can completely change their life.” Alumni member
“Creativity isn’t just in art, it’s in life – it fuels problem-solving, risk-taking, and the ability to thrive wherever you go.” Alumni member
“If we are denied the right to engage with the issues of today, we will never be able to solve the issues of tomorrow.” Alumni member
5. Annual review launch at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Gallery
At the end of the day, we held a drinks reception at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Gallery, where we also celebrated the launch of our Annual Review.
The National Saturday Club Annual Review presents the latest research and evaluation from our UK-wide network. 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.