The Outreach Day brought together 60 pupils from six local primary schools who each took part in interactive activities including a drama session that encouraged them to think about budgeting, an exercise exploring the responsibilities of the Bank of England, and a workshop in which they created informative posters that displayed key facts about finances in fun and creative ways. 

Nicola Crompton, Leeds Children’s University Manager and Access Participation and Evaluation Coordinator at Leeds Trinity University, said: “It was wonderful to welcome our six Leeds Children's University schools our Leeds City Campus, their enthusiasm made the day truly special. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the Bank of England team for delivering such insightful and engaging sessions. 

“Events like these help young people see that learning can happen anywhere and that their futures are full of exciting possibilities. They spark curiosity and confidence that can last a lifetime. At Leeds Trinity University, we’re passionate about widening participation and supporting aspiration through the Children’s University perfectly reflects our commitment to inspiring the next generation of learners.” 

Leeds Children’s University, a strand of the national Children’s University charity, aims to provide high-quality and engaging learning experiences to develop a love of learning in children, which can positively impact on attainment and increase a pupil’s positive identification with education. In particular, it seeks to provide opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds with limited access to extra-curricular activities. 

Children participating in Children’s University are given a Passport to Learning, which tracks extra-curricular activities and offers a chance to earn certificates – an important element in establishing positive attitudes towards education, building self-confidence, and setting children on a path to academic success. For attending the Bank of England Outreach Day, each child received three Children’s University credits and access to online learning materials. 

After the Bank of England announced plans to increase its presence in Leeds last year, the Outreach Day also supported its efforts to work with organisations in the city to improve visibility with local people, build positive relationships with the community, and improve wider understanding of its work.  

Tendai Chipangura, who was part of the Bank of England team delivering sessions at the Outreach Day, said: “We were delighted to work with Nicola and the team at Leeds Trinity as part of Leeds Children’s University, introducing pupils to the world of money and the economy through engaging and interactive activities. Whether designing their own banknotes or using drama to explore financial concepts, the enthusiasm and curiosity the children demonstrated throughout the sessions highlighted their eagerness to learn and explore new ideas.”

The Bank of England offers a wide range of education resources and outreach sessions for schools and colleges across the UK. For more information, visit www.bankofengland.co.uk/education

With its connection to Leeds dating back over 200 years, the Bank of England has committed to having at least 500 members of its workforce, equating to around one in ten of its staff, based in its Leeds office by 2027.  This expansion will help keep skilled workers in Leeds, provide new opportunities for graduates and young professionals, and contribute to national and local growth plans – financial services is one of the sectors identified as key to driving future growth in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. 

Hosting Leeds Children’s University supports Leeds Trinity University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) which features strategies to improve opportunities for underrepresented groups to access, succeed in, and progress from higher education. 

The APP links directly to the University’s Strategic Plan 2021-26, which outlines Leeds Trinity’s mission to be a diverse and inclusive University that welcomes students from all backgrounds and beliefs and provides a transformational educational experience. The University’s sustained commitment to race equity, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of university life is highlighted by its achievement of becoming the first university in Yorkshire to be awarded the Silver Race Equality Charter. 

For more information about Leeds Children’s University, contact childrensuniversity@leedstrinity.ac.uk.