Welcome to
University
for Children
Our Mission:
At University for Children, education is holistic, which means that learning comes to life through nature, play, stories, art, movement, practical activities and social relationships. A garden can become a science laboratory and an art studio. A pumpkin can take us on a journey through botany, seasons, mathematics, cooking, history and culture. An imaginary world can inspire storytelling, writing, design, problem-solving and collaboration. The holistic approach helps children discover connections between different subjects, between ideas and experiences, and between the world around them and their own lives.
We enable academic learning through creativity, play, nature and hands-on experiences that improve child's development, wellbeing, and education. We create space for children's own voice and empower them to understand who they are in the context of wider society.
At the University for Children, children dive into the real world through engaging activities, like plant growing, crafts making, scientific experiments, story telling, cultural expeditions, sensory exploration, while building their academic understanding through practice of making, moving and playing.
Our student-centred approach celebrates each child's uniqueness. We embrace neurodiversity and provide tailored support for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring everyone participates meaningfully and in alignment with their own abilities.
At the University of Children, all academic subjects are interconnected, while child's mind, body, and emotional condition are treated as equal. Through shared learning and play, children learn about the world as a whole and their own place within it.
We nurture curiosity and transform play into knowledge, confidence, and emotional independence, ultimately empowering children to become healthy, thriving adults who make a positive impact on the world around them.
At the University for Children a student will learn how to:
Understand the world | Become a whole person | Contribute to society and the planet
Message from the Director:
After more than 25 years as an academic lecturer, researcher and educational leader, I have returned to where education begins: inspiring curiosity, independent thinking, imagination and the joy of learning and playing.
I am a teacher and also a mother, and my own daughters have taught me just as much about education as my professional career.
I watched them grow up with wonderful creative talents, curiosity and imagination. I also watched how the pressures of school, examinations and early decisions about their future affected their confidence and wellbeing. Both experienced anxiety and panic attacks, and I often wished that their ADHD and mental health had been better understood and supported. I wish schools had given them more time and attention to discover their strengths, follow their interests and grow at their own pace.
I have created University for Children because I want to offer the next generations the kind of learning experience I always wished for my own children.
I believe that all children are capable of what is called at the university level - critical thinking from a very early age. With encouragement and the right guidance, they can develop independence, creativity and the confidence to understand who they are and explore the world around them.
With my academic background, I prioritise high quality of knowledge and academic rigour, but I approach play with the same commitment and joy! Every class is thoughtfully designed to combine creative, experiential learning with high-quality teaching, strong educational foundations and the expectations of the national curriculum.
I am particularly passionate about supporting neurodivergent children and young people, including those with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Every child brings their own way of thinking, communicating and experiencing the world. Teacher's role is to recognise their strengths, understand their needs and let them learn and play at their own pace.
I trust that every child who joins us will discover something new about the world, but also something wonderful about themselves.
After all these years in education, I can genuinely say that I have never been more excited in my teaching career. I am bringing together everything I have learnt as an educator, researcher, academic leader and mother to create something that feels deeply meaningful to me and I would love you and your children to be part of it.
With warmth,
Dr Marta Hawkins
Founder, University for Children
PhD, MLitt, MSc Child Psychology, Senior Fellow of Advance HE
Educator, Researcher & Educational Leader
"Marta is a miracle worker!
When we started working with her, it was evident that she really wanted to embrace each individual's child's needs and to make their experiences positive and enriching, which was such a challenge with a group of five primary school boys gathered on Zoom! As a parent, I knew that my child would be able to express himself within the time they had together. All learning and knowledge was very creatively woven into each session.
Marta gave my child confidence as she recognised his personal contribution to the classes alongside ensuring all the participants were also valued for theirs.
I would highly recommend Marta to anyone who is looking for an educator that truly cares about their student and parents alike"
KAREN TRAVES
We have been using Marta's tutoring for over
7 years now.
Firstly we started with my older boy, who achieved great results on his GCSE exams. Later my little one ( 5 years old at that time) joined her URBAN GARDEN classes which were full of surprises and great fun, including learning Greek myths and dressing up, making a film based on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. The children could even play with the camera and the light and shoot the scenes!
Martin still adores attending Marta's classes, now a combination of online and offline, and as parents, we are very pleased with his school progression.
Without no hesitation, I would highly recommend Marta and her passionate and professional way of teaching!