Primary School Programme

About the project

We're working with Cardiff Council and schools across the city to introduce children to a love of learning.

Cardiff University Primary School Programme, led by the Widening Participation team and delivered in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Passport to the City team , is a project that delivers opportunities for children to study subjects aligned to the Curriculum in Wales, while learning new skills, building confidence and raising aspirations.

The primary school programme engages and inspires the next generation to consider higher education as a realistic and achievable option, and specifically focuses on working with Cardiff primary schools with the highest proportion of learners who experience socio-economic deprivation and/or where a high percentage have Additional Learning Needs.

In 2024/25, 406 Year 6 pupils from ten primary schools in Ely and Caerau joined us for 17 on-campus activities, designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and raise aspirations.

Inclusivity was at the heart of every aspect of the programme. From fully funded transport to bilingual sessions, we ensured that every pupil could take part and feel welcome.

Activities were supported by 141 university staff, 147 student ambassadors, and 118 teachers and teaching assistants. Pupils were allowed to step into lecture theatres, labs, and creative spaces across the university, discovering that learning is about exploration, imagination, and hands-on fun. Activities included coding their own video games, racing maggots in health science workshops, and building spaghetti bridges in engineering challenges.

“The children in our area very rarely have aspirations for university. This programme changed that." Headteacher, Herbert Thompson Primary School

Graduation events

At the graduation events in 2025 held at the Centre for Student Life, pupils proudly wore caps and gowns, crossed the front of the lecture theatre whilst being cheered on by family and friends, and shook hands with Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Larner and Councillor Huw Thomas, Head of Cardiff Council.

The graduation events featured over 70 interactive activity stands, including LEGO robotics, African drumming, hands-on science experiments, and myth-busting sessions on student finance tailored for parents and guardians. With more than 800 pupils and guests in attendance, the events were a celebration of learning, community, and opportunity.

One parent shared a heartfelt reflection after attending the graduation event: “Most of my daughter's friends' parents are non-graduates (often early school leavers) and it thoroughly began a process of demystifying university for their families… I have felt so emotional and proud this morning… it was lovely to have the university presented in such an inclusive way.”

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Real impact, real futures

• 80% of pupils said they’d love to visit Cardiff University again
• 97% of parents said they want their child to go to university
• 69% of families were visiting Cardiff University for the first time

Related links

• Junior graduates celebrate their achievements

Research areas