Warwickshire Virtual School

Enrichment

The Virtual School Enrichment Programme offers programmes in academic, social, cultural, sporting and leisure activities to promote achievement for our children and young people growing up in care.

We believe that engaging vulnerable young people in positive activities and offering safe and trusted adults for the young people to talk to, encourages a belief in their ability to succeed. The wide range of activities offered gives our children in care a chance to experience enjoyment and success.

Enrichment Termly Newsletter

Academic activities

UniVenture Has now Concluded - Year 8s

UniVenture has just wrapped up as a fantastic and inspiring programme for Year 8 young people in care, delivered by ThinkHigher at the University of Warwick in partnership with Warwickshire and Coventry Virtual Schools. Across three themed days - Connect, Explore, and Build and Celebrate - young people came together to make new friends, grow in confidence, and experience university life in a fun and engaging way. From exciting hands-on engineering sessions and myth-busting workshops to uplifting resilience activities and time with inspiring student ambassadors, every day was full of energy and opportunity. By the end of the programme, young people had developed valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving - and most importantly, everyone involved had an amazing time celebrating their achievements together.

Watch this space for more information on further programmes.

Experience Warwick Partnership

This is a sustained, progressive programme of engagement with pupils in schools across Coventry and Warwickshire:

Year 7 - Introduction to Experience Warwick campus events which forms the start of the sustained programme of activity for pupils. As part of the event pupils will complete a campus challenge activity, explore the University of Warwick campus and have the opportunity to engage with current students.

Year 8 - pupils will return to the Experience Warwick programme for Academic Taster Days across the spring on Warwick University Campus, each giving students the opportunity to engage in interactive sessions covering areas outside of the curriculum and explore different areas of learning in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM.

Year 9 - collaboration with our partner “Talent Foundry” who will deliver the “Big Idea” workshop. During the workshop, they will be encouraged to develop their knowledge of social issues in their community and the way that technology can be used for the greater good. The programme will also raise students' aspirations and develop key transferable skills such as creativity and teamwork which can be used in the world of work.

Year 10 - visit UoW for a “Student Experience Day”. As part of the event students will have a tour of the Student Union and Sports Hub to find out more about the opportunities once at University, they also experience a session in our Esports Centre and learn more about student societies.

Year 11 - Next Steps Conference provides an overview of the post 16 programmes we offer at Warwick, what they involve and how to apply.

For more information please contact sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

University Explorers Programme for Year 6 Children in Care

University Explorers 2026
Young people from across Warwickshire have taken part in University Explorers—an inspiring programme delivered in collaboration with the University of Warwick. Now in its tenth year, the initiative has steadily evolved and expanded, becoming a well‑established opportunity for children in care to experience the world of Higher Education. Designed especially for Year 6 pupils, it offers a welcoming space to explore university life and imagine the possibilities ahead.

Warwickshire proudly celebrated the participation of six fantastic young people who embraced every moment of this adventure. Across the four university days, pupils explored a range of exciting academic sessions including Philosophy, Politics, and Physics—subjects that sparked big questions, deep thinking and joyful curiosity.
But University Explorers was about far more than subject knowledge. The programme aimed to raise aspirations, build confidence, and empower pupils to challenge themselves. Through group activities, discussions, and hands-on learning, young people developed key transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience.

The final session brought everyone together for a wonderful celebratory event, where parents, carers, and school staff joined in recognising the achievements of all participants. Smiles, certificates, and a genuine sense of pride filled the room as each child was celebrated for their effort, growth, and enthusiasm.
The young people had an amazing time—many made new friends, tried new experiences, and left feeling excited about the possibilities ahead. University Explorers has shown that with the right encouragement and opportunities, every young person can shine brightly and dream boldly.

Please watch this space for next Years University Explorers dates

If you would like to find out more then please contact sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

Discovery Days in collaboration with Severn Trent

At Severn Trent, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity, confidence and support to build a positive future. Our Discovery Days, delivered in partnership with virtual schools, are designed to inspire and prepare students in Years 9, 10 and 11 for life beyond the classroom.

Through interactive sessions, students will learn about Severn Trent, explore career pathways, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities, and develop essential life and employability skills such as confidence, communication and teamwork. They will gain practical insight into interviews, assessment centres, CVs and group tasks, supported by real-life feedback from professionals.

Most importantly, these sessions aim to empower young people by giving them the tools, knowledge and encouragement they need to believe in themselves and take their next steps with confidence.

We are currently working on our 2026/27 programme specifically for Years 9, 10 and 11. Please watch this space for updates.

For more information please contact - sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

Upcoming 4 day work experience opportunity with Severn Trent

We’re pleased to share that the application window for Severn Trent’s 4‑day Work Experience Programme will be opening very soon. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people aged 14–18 to explore the water industry and develop valuable skills to support their future career pathways.

Through the programme, students will gain insight into careers in sustainability, engineering, and environmental management, as well as take part in hands‑on activities alongside industry professionals. They’ll also build key skills such as confidence, communication, creative problem‑solving, self‑management, organisation, teamwork, and collaboration, all aligned with the Skills Builder Universal Framework.

Programme Details

Dates:

13 - 16 July 2026
20 - 23 July 2026

Locations: Across the Severn Trent region, mainly Coventry and Derbyshire (full details will be available on the website once applications open)

Application Window: Now closed

Severn Trent is also partnering with Youth Futures Foundation and Ipsos UK on a research project exploring the impact of work experience on young people’s skills and confidence. Participating students may have the opportunity to contribute to this important study.

Aim Higher

Upcoming Aimhigher taster days

For many young people, deciding what to do after school or college can feel uncertain — particularly for those who are still exploring subjects, career pathways or whether higher education is right for them. As teachers, advisers and professionals supporting learners, providing opportunities to experience university learning first-hand can play a vital role in helping students make informed and confident decisions.

Aimhigher West Midlands continues to offer a range of free taster days, masterclasses designed to support students at different stages of their progression journey. These activities allow learners to explore subjects in a supportive environment, ask questions directly to university staff, and gain a realistic understanding of higher education.

UniFest 2026 Events!

Inside Health Careers
University College Birmingham
8–10 July | Non-Residential
Students can explore hands-on workshops in Nursing, Paramedic Science, Physiotherapy, Psychology, and more. They’ll experience a hospital-style learning environment, gain insights into healthcare careers, and talk with current university students about their next steps.

The Mind of a Criminal
University of Worcester
6-8 July 2026 | Non-Residential
This engaging programme introduces students to Law, Criminology, Forensic Biology, and Policing. Participants will take part in a mock trial, learn about court procedures, and explore what drives criminal behaviour — an ideal taster for those interested in justice or psychology careers.

Beyond the Field: Pathways in Sport
Birmingham City University
7–9 July | Residential
For students passionate about sport, this summer school offers a broad look at careers in coaching, exercise science, teaching, business, and media. With evening social activities and campus accommodation, students gain a real insight into university life.

STEM
Aston University
7–9 July | Residential
A fantastic opportunity for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. They’ll take part in subject tasters, meet current students and academics, and explore future study and career options — all while experiencing life on campus.

Your Future, Your Choice
University of Birmingham
12–14 July | Residential
This residential gives students a taste of university through a range of engaging academic sessions and evening social activities. Supported by student ambassadors, participants will discover what higher education can offer and explore their next steps after school.

Cultural activities and arts and crafts

WMVS Children in Care Foundation

WMVS Children in Care Foundation is supported by all 14 West Midlands Virtual Schools, and aims to ensure that all care experienced children and young people in the region have the opportunity to get involved in arts and culture and develop as learners, as people and as artists.

Our offer includes:

Events run by clusters of Virtual Schools, such as Give It A Go days (trying new artforms and activities out) and professional artists supporting other Virtual School events such as award ceremonies.
Regional activities, such as Look Inside days (e.g. BBC, music studio) and massed performing groups, such as choirs, for showcase events.

Details on the next WMVS Children in Care Foundation events will be available here soon.

Upcoming arts events

Clay trinket workshop at The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum for 10- 16 year olds on Tuesday 18th August 2026.

Come and learn some basic clay making techniques. Then, use them to create a trinket jar to store your prized possessions.

Clay trinket workshop flyer (PDF, 733KB)

Previous art events

Last term young people enjoyed getting to take part in multiple art events including a DJ workshop lead by a professional DJ who showed the young people new music skills like how to use the mixing desk to switch between combining two songs together. The young people got to take turns showing off what they had learnt and had a great time exploring in a fun filled workshop.

Before Christmas young people took part in an exciting experience at The Albany Theatre. This included an interactive drama workshop with team bonding games, followed by watching the Oliver Twist show and then getting to go behind the scenes. The young people enjoyed exploring the set, meeting the cast and having a Q&A session! The young people got to see first hand how a production works. They looked through the prop tables, cues written down on the walls for actors and lighting marks on the set floor. It was a great experience enjoyed by all.

For more information please email jasminegillett-ohagan@warwickshire.gov.uk

Arts Award

We offer the first two levels of Arts Awards - Discover and Explore. Discover is a basic, easily accessible, introductory level and Explore is a entry level (Entry 3) qualification.

Available to children and young people in care ages 7 and over. Find out more about Arts Award

If you are interested and would like to sign up then please email jasminegillett-ohagan@warwickshire.gov.uk

Funded music lessons for Years 4, 5 and 6

All children in care in Warwickshire schools in Years 4, 5 and 6 are eligible for fully funded music lessons regardless of which authority they are looked after to. Please contact the Virtual School for further information.

Warwickshire Music Hub is the principal provider of high quality music education services and opportunities in schools and music centres across Warwickshire. The Music Hub provides a wide range of services including instrument and vocal lessons to individuals, groups and whole classrooms. Resources are available for all ages.

A new band opportunity for CIC in Warwickshire Ages 11 to 16

UnScripted (PDF, 622KB)

Sport activities

Sarah Atkins and Co is our new Sports provider as of April 2026 and we are very excited for what's to come. Our children and young people in care will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities like stand up paddle boarding, mountain biking, archery, ice skating, horse riding and more. Watch this space for more information.

Sports provisional schedule 2026/27 (PDF, 50KB)

Everyone Active is working in partnership with Warwick District Council, to get more children and young people participating in sport and physical activity by offering a free membership that will give children and young people access to a range of facilities depending on their age, including gym, swim, soft play and group exercise.

Post 16 activities

Each term, Coventry and Warwickshire Virtual Schools host Your Future, Your Path an aspirational event designed for young people in care, currently in school years 10 to 13. These sessions feature guest speakers from a wide range of sectors, supporting our young people as they explore post-16 pathways. Our aim is to ensure every participant receives the insights and guidance they deserve, empowering them to make informed, confident decisions about their future.

Your Future, Your Path

Upcoming events

Coming soon

Past Events

29 January 2026 - Jaguar Land Rover - Career Pathways and Opportunities and more information on a Care Experienced day at JLR HQ.

To sign up or for more information, please contact sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

Thinking About Your Career?

Wednesday 12 August

Applying for jobs can feel daunting, but Become's, Propel into Work team is here to help. This free online workshop is designed to give you practical advice and boost your confidence when applying for employment.

The session will cover:

Different types of job applications
What employers are looking for
How AI can help – and where it could damage your application
Tips for creating a strong, stand-out CV

If you're preparing to apply for your first job, a part-time role, or your next career opportunity, this workshop is packed with useful advice to help you succeed.

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