for learning, and promotes social mobility and personal progression.
Participating in extracurricular activities such as the National Saturday Club provides young people with a clearer understanding of their educational and career options, with over 85% of young people who took part in last year’s programme reporting an improved awareness of available pathways. According to Jane Fernandes, Collective Action and Advocacy Manager at the Fair Education Alliance: “These activities reinforce curriculum-based learning and create space for children with diverse interests to grow holistically through play and creativity.”
A standout feature of the NSC is its ability to provide young people from across the UK with the chance to study subjects they are passionate about at no cost. These free programmes take place at local universities, colleges, and cultural institutions, nationwide. The Club specialises in a variety of subject areas including arts, design, STEM, performance and film, giving Club members the freedom to choose an outlet that they enjoy the most or want to learn more about. Weekly local Saturday Classes are augmented by the national programme of events including industry led Masterclasses, visits to major museums and galleries, the Summer Show and Graduation Ceremonies.
Lifelong benefits
Extracurricular programmes promote the growth of young people beyond just knowledge and skill, nurturing their creativity, ability to collaborate, and supporting their self-fulfilment. While the private sector recognises the economic and social value of investing in cultural facilities, the state sector has experienced a significant decline in arts and cultural provisions over the last two decades. This reduction comes at a time when young people are facing a growing mental health crisis.
A University College London study found that engaging in creative and cultural activities reduces depression, boosts life satisfaction, and improves physical health, with these benefits enduring regardless of factors like demographics, socio-economic background or medical history. In
addition, National Saturday Club research shows that its programmes lead to a breadth of positive outcomes, including: • Social and emotional development: Fostering confidence, friendships, and a sense of community.
• Academic support: Boosting their passion for the subject and broadening their understanding of future pathways.
• Skill development: Building essential skills like communication, collaboration, and problem- solving.
• Confidence building: Increasing self- confidence, self-awareness, and a positive outlook, motivating participants to try new things.
• Career awareness: Introducing potential job and career paths through exposure to various fields and professions.
• Personal growth: Extracurricular activities support emotional intelligence and personal development through creative exploration and expression.
Bridging the socio-economic gap There is a notable socio-economic divide in extracurricular education, with independent schools offering a greater richness of extracurricular creative activities than state schools – activities which build confidence, support collaboration and imagination, and encourage the ability to take risks and try new things. In addition, even within the state school system, most of the out-of-school activity is paid- for, and requires financial resources which many families simply cannot afford. Given the proven positive impacts of engaging in extracurricular and non-formal activities and opportunities, addressing this disparity is essential as it risks perpetuating societal divides as young people enter the workforce.
A 2022 study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed that the current education system often reinforces existing household inequalities, which in turn contribute to differences in school performance. Rather than fostering social mobility, the system enables existing inequalities, leading to persistent income inequality across
FEATURE FOCUS: CULTURAL EDUCATION generations.
The National Saturday Club is dedicated to reaching young people from underserved communities and underrepresented backgrounds. By providing equitable access to enriching educational experiences, the programme helps break down the socio-economic barriers that limit opportunity, creating pathways for young people to discover and nurture their potential.
Success and impact
The success and impact of programmes such as the National Saturday Club are evident in the feedback from both participants and parents. An overwhelming 93% of Club members found the experience highly engaging, and 78% noted an increase in their confidence levels. Parents also observed significant positive changes, with 92% noticing an increase in their children’s creativity and 91% reporting improved confidence in their children.
For some, the impact is even more profound. Betsy Ballisch, a former Club member, described the experience as life-changing, particularly in helping her manage personal challenges such as anxiety and ADHD. Apart from supporting her personal growth, her involvement with the Club also inspired her to pursue further studies in fashion. She says: “The boost of confidence I got from attending a Saturday Club was life changing. I had no hope or desire to attend university before, yet I left with these big ambitions.”
The National Saturday Club shows what’s possible when we invest in young people’s creative potential. But we still have work to do. Policymakers, educators, and communities must come together to ensure that every child in the UK has equal access to these transformative opportunities.
We must continue to work to address these inequities now, before another generation of students is left behind. By offering all young people free access to creative extracurricular opportunities, we aren’t just shaping the future but transforming lives.
December 2024
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