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Te Modern Family Education & Schooling


School’s out T


Discover the best after-school clubs for when the final bell rings. Words by Deborah Cicurel


he school day may be over, but the fun and learning doesn’t need to stop there. After-school clubs are a


valuable resource for both parents and children. Research from Nuffield Foundation shows that kids who take part in extracurricular activities are more likely to excel academically and


socially, broadening their horizons and giving them the chance to meet and interact with new peers.


Best for building confidence: Drama club Attending a drama club is valuable for all children, whether they dream of being a future Oscar winner or


not. Not only does it help develop social skills such as teamwork, but it can help improve confidence with the challenges many children struggle with, like public speaking, communicating clearly and thinking fast under pressure. Plus, drama can help support your child’s academic work by enhancing focus, concentration and creativity.


Best for learning teamwork: Group sports Whether your child is into football, netball, cheerleading or hockey, team sports are a fantastic way for them to maintain their physical fitness, make new friends and develop their sense of teamwork. Regular sports practice teaches kids the value of hard work, resilience and persistence, and equips


Promotional Content • Saturday 7th February 2026


them with the skills to tolerate the frustration of losing and develop good sportmanship.


Best for a life skill: Swimming Swimming isn’t just a vital life and safety skill, but it’s one of the healthiest activities children can partake in, benefitting everything from strength and fitness to flexibility and coordination. It’s never too early to learn how to swim, and once your child is a confident swimmer, so many more water- based doors can be opened, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and water skiing.


Best for emotional regulation: Music Te value of learning music as a child can’t be overstated. Research shows that studying music from a young age could help to boost brain function and memory, improve social skills and cooperation, and even help with anxiety and emotional regulation. After-school music clubs can support children in developing musical skills, offer opportunities for group performances and even teach kids to compose their own songs — providing them an outlet for self-expression, too.


CHESS CLUB/PEXELS SWIMMING/BETTER


Best for decision-making: Chess Chess is far more than just a game, teaching children everything from logic and problem-solving to mindfulness and focus. An after- school chess club is a great place for your child to learn the basics and play against peers while teaching valuable lessons along the way — such as how to make difficult decisions under pressure, how to persevere and bounce back from tricky situations, and to think creatively on their feet.


TENNIS/FREEPIK


AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS CLUBS YOUR CHILD CAN JOIN


LITTLE KICKERS Little Kickers is an ideal introduction to the world of football. With classes all over the UK, kids can dive straight into developing their fanciest footwork in a fun, pressure-free environment. littlekickers.co.uk


TEDDY TENNIS Encourage your child’s inner Andy Murray by enrolling them in Teddy Tennis lessons. They’ll get to grips with the basics of tennis and have a ball while learning too. teddytennisuk.co.uk


BETTER SWIM SCHOOL Better Swim School is the largest provider of swimming lessons in the UK, teaching over 200,000 people a week how to embrace their inner fish, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about getting your child comfortable and confident in the water. better.org.uk


Independent School of the Year 2025


Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. At Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, students benefit from an exceptional education that blends the best of single-sex learn- ing with the benefits of a co-educa- tional environment. At the heart of Habs Elstree’s suc-


cess is a clearly defined purpose: to empower young people to make a real difference. Its Partnerships Pro- gramme is a pioneering initiative with six local state schools aimed at building educational opportuni- ties for communities with average or above-average levels of disad- vantage. Each week, Habs delivers over 52 hours of curriculum support and enrichment to almost 2,000 students, involving 500 Habs pupils and 56 staff. As well as fostering the leader-


ship skills that are central to being a Habs


student, the programme improved attendance among disad-


vantaged pupils by 10.1% — not just for those in the programme, but at school overall. Tat’s the equivalent to a full extra day of school every two weeks. With a mission to be at the fore-


front of education, the schools offer a dynamic and forward-thinking curriculum designed to equip stu- dents with independence, resilience, and an open mind. Innovation is embedded throughout school life, with the director of innovation driv- ing initiatives that prepare students for an evolving digital landscape. While academic excellence re-


mains a hallmark of a Habs edu- cation, a comprehensive pastoral care programme nurtures students’ emotional, social and spiritual de- velopment. An outstanding range of co-curricular activities allows stu- dents to explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom. With world-class facilities, ongo-


ing campus investment and a strong commitment to social responsi- bility, Habs continues


empowering students to make a profound impact in the world and exemplifying the very best of inde- pendent education today.


to evolve,


“This year’s Independent School of the Year has demonstrated its resilience in staying true to its vision, rather than swerving the challenges of the moment … It represents the very best qualities of the independent sector — a voice that helps the wider world to understand the powerful and positive impact of this sector.” Independent School of the Year


habselstree.org.uk


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