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Contacts

Kent Children's University
St Luke's Adult Education Centre
9 Sittingbourne Road
Maidstone
ME14 5ET

Telephone icon01622 664089

Email icon kcu@kent.gov.uk

Kent Children's University

Kent Children's University logo

What is KCU?

KCU provides informal educational courses for children, which take place out-of-school-hours. The scheme is open to children of all abilities who attend affiliated schools. We aim to promote life-long learning and improve motivation & self-confidence through enjoyable learning opportunities.

The scheme is organised and promoted by Kent County Council through Kent Adult Education Services and has been operating in Kent since 1996.

Courses

Courses are held around the county, usually in schools. Despite this, KCU and the courses offered are different from school.

Subjects are taught in an informal style and as the scheme takes place outside of normal school hours we do not have to adhere to the National Curriculum. We are able, within reason, to offer our students almost any subject.

KCU should not be thought of as a series of booster classes, or sessions only for the more able.

As well as discovering more about a new subject or existing interest, the children will be mixing with others from local schools. This helps to improve confidence and increases your child's circle of friends.

Each class is limited to 16 participants to ensure low pupil - tutor ratios.

University?

We are called a university because those who take part are able to choose what they study before they arrive (just like at a real university). The University theme continues, in so much that any child who completes a course will be presented with a Kent Children's University certificate to accredit their work.

Objectives

We have three main objectives

  • To raise attainment through informal learning opportunities
  • To foster an enjoyment of learning for its own sake
  • To improve confidence through recognising achievement

"The best education is that which is enjoyable." Guy Bartlett, KCU Manager.

Awards

We are delighted to announce that Kent Children's University has now achieved two awards from QiSS (This link will open in a new window) which demonstrates the quality of our provision, and highlights the excellence of our tutors and centre managers.

Funding and Partnerships

Although Kent Children's University receives some funding from Kent County Council we are always looking for ways in which we can work in partnership with local companies and businesses. If you would like to know more about ways in which your organisation and KCU could work together, then please get in contact us.

Awarded the QiSS Award
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