8 T e Modern Family Education & Schooling Upskill for the future


An education expert reveals the innovative extracurriculars shaping UK students’ futures beyond university applications and preparing them for future careers. Words: Dr Aviva Legatt


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highlighted that extracurriculars can signifi cantly impact social mobility, equipping students from all backgrounds with soft skills — such as communication, leadership and problem-solving — that translate into long-term success. But the gap in access remains a pressing issue. Wealthier students are far more likely to participate in extracurriculars, giving them a clear advantage when it comes to future opportunities. Recognising this, some UK


initiatives are stepping up to level the playing fi eld. T e National Citizen Service (NCS), for example, off ers aff ordable opportunities for students to develop leadership and community engagement skills through summer programmes. According to government reports, participants show improvements in teamwork, confi dence and resilience — key traits for navigating future challenges. For schools, adapting


extracurriculars to meet modern needs is no longer optional. T e future job market will reward those who can think creatively, solve problems collaboratively and adapt to technological change. Extracurricular activities provide a natural way to develop these capabilities in real-world settings. Take the growing focus on digital


IMAGE: GETTY A


s the world becomes more unpredictable, UK schools are adapting to ensure students are future-ready


— and it’s not just happening in the classroom. Extracurricular activities are evolving beyond their traditional roles, becoming essential tools for developing the skills students need to navigate a fast-changing world.


At the likes of Oakham School,


extracurriculars aren’t just add-ons — they’re central to the student experience. Oakham’s innovative chess programme, led by a Grandmaster, doesn’t simply teach students how to win games — it sharpens their strategic thinking and decision-making skills, both increasingly sought after by employers


across industries. Similarly, at Stowe School, a rock band programme doesn’t just create musicians but fosters creativity, teamwork and confi dence — attributes that digital-era employers value as highly as technical know-how. T ese kinds of forward-thinking


programmes are vital. Research by the Sutton Trust published in 2021


literacy. At Dunraven School in London, students participate in coding clubs that go beyond technical skills — they learn to collaborate, think critically and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. T ese are precisely the traits that future employers will be seeking in sectors like cyber security, AI and sustainable tech — all identifi ed by the UK government as areas of signifi cant growth.


Extracurricular activities are evolving beyond their traditional roles,


becoming essential tools for developing a range of skills students need


But it’s not just about tech. In the


creative industries, which contribute over £111bn to the UK economy, hands-on experience remains crucial. Schools that off er fi lm-making clubs, theatre productions and digital media projects are preparing students for roles in content creation, digital marketing and design — fi elds where demand is growing rapidly. It’s clear these extracurricular


programmes are no longer just nice- to-have activities — they’re essential components of future-proof education. T ey off er students a space to develop resilience, curiosity and confi dence, traits that will serve them throughout their lives. Forward-thinking schools are leading the way, helping students develop both the technical and human-centric skills that will defi ne the next generation of leaders. As the education landscape shifts,


schools must continue to prioritise these opportunities. T e future isn’t just about academic success, it’s about preparing students to navigate uncertainty with the skills and confi dence to succeed. Dr Aviva Legatt is an education


expert and author of Get Real and Get In: How to Get Into the College of Your Dreams by Being Your Authentic Self (St Martin’s Press). £11.99


A SPIRIT. ALL OF ITS OWN.


Located in the heart of London’s Barbican, Charterhouse Square School provides exceptional education for children aged 3-11.


Academic excellence is woven into everyday life at Charterhouse Square School, but our focus is on nurturing confident, curious individuals. Through creative and collaborative teaching combined with our focus on individual confidence, we empower pupils to succeed at London’s top senior schools and beyond – all within a community that celebrates both togetherness and individuality.


Join us at our upcoming Open Morning on Thursday 20th March to discover what makes a Charterhouse Square School education truly special. 33-40 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6EA


www.charterhousesquareschool.co.uk


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