National Saturday Club
If there isn’t a space in the school timetable for the imagination to thrive, then we hope we can create this space at the weekend – a space that is challenging and educating, but also inspiring and fun.
Andrew Cowan, Director of Creative Writing, University of East Anglia
Across the UK, the National Saturday Club gives 13–16 year olds the opportunity to study subjects they love for free, at their local university, college or cultural institution.
Club members attend local classes every Saturday, for up to 30 weeks of the year, where professional tutors create and lead programmes that encourage experimentation and introduce a wide range of activities and practices. Here, Club members are free to explore their creativity, discover their talents and develop their skills.
The National Saturday Club brings everyone in the network together for shared national events – the London Visit and the Summer Show, and organises a Masterclass for each Club, giving members a vital link to the professional world.
By making all Saturday Clubs free and with no exams, young people from all backgrounds are encouraged to get involved in a unique and exceptional process of discovery and learning that works alongside the school curriculum.
As well as giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain practical experience, taking part in the Saturday Club programme has proven long-term benefits that range from improved self-confidence to becoming better at thinking independently and expressing ideas.
