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

UniVenture, developed by ThinkHigher, University of Warwick, is a new project designed to support learners with care experience to aspire for Higher Education. Aimed at students in Years 8 the initiative consists of a three days at the University of Warwick, offering early and repeated exposure to university life. These experiences help build confidence, create a sense of belonging, and make Higher Education feel both realistic and exciting. Throughout the programme, young people will have the opportunity to interact with numerous diverse role models, from practitioners to current undergraduate students, and they will take part in a diverse range of experiences to develop essential soft skills. Each session concludes with reflective journaling, allowing students to track their personal growth throughout the three-month journey.

Dates are to be confirmed.

For more information contact sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

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.

Dates - 18, 19 or 25 March (only 1 day per year group).

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

In partnership with the Widening Participation Team at the University of Warwick, University Explorers is specifically designed to raise aspirations among Year 6 students from Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Virtual Schools.

This engaging and dynamic programme offers children the opportunity to participate in entertaining yet challenging learning experiences, delivered by University staff and supported by Uni-Explorer Ambassadors.

The programme aims to:

Inspire and raise aspirations - By providing Year 6 students with a glimpse into university life and education, it encourages them to think about higher education as an achievable goal.
Engage in interactive learning - Students will take part in fun, educational activities that challenge them and spark their curiosity across various subjects.
Supportive environment - The programme is designed to be both enjoyable and motivating, with guidance and encouragement from University staff and Uni-Explorer Ambassadors.

The programme runs every year and is spread over four weeks (one day per week). In 2026 the programme will commence in February. If you would like to find out more then please contact sabinamarsh@warwickshire.gov.uk

View the University Explorers 2026 flyer (PDF, 1.6 MB)

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.

Dates:
29th April - Years 9
24th June - Years 9
13th May - Years 10
1st July - Years 10

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

Aim Higher

Travel & Tourism Day - University College Birmingham

Years 9 to 11
Wednesday 22 April

The Travel Around the World Campus Experience will help to raise the aspirations of students by giving them in depth insight and knowledge into careers in the Travel, Tourism and hospitality industries, how these can intersect and the world wide opportunities available. The day will address the various jobs available and offer practical, hands-on activities to engage students with these careers in our exciting aviation suite.

Apprenticeship Day

Year Groups: 9 to 11
Venue: UCB Campus
Date TBC

The Access Apprenticeship event will highlight vocational pathways available to pupils. Sessions will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both vocational HE options and apprenticeships.

Pupils will hear from current Apprentices, exploring how their pathway differs to that of the “traditional route”. They will also speak with vocational degree students as they experience the UCB Campus, focusing on our excellent facilities for vocational courses. In addition, pupils will all undertake an assessment centre task in order to gain a greater understanding of application processes, including the increasingly common, assessment centre.

Build Environment Day

Year Groups: 10 to 11
Venue: UCB Campus
Date: 19 June 2026

The Build Environment day will highlight pathways available in the world of building, design and surveying with a focus on how it can become more sustainable. Students will learn about the latest construction technology and design and drawing techniques. Our Engineering team will provide a practical workshop on manufacturing systems and processes, as well as the latest industry-relevant topics such as artificial intelligence (AI).

H.E.4 ME Year 7/8 Event – Save the date

We are pleased to confirm that the next H.E.4 ME Year 7/8 event will take place on Tuesday 3 June 2026 at Birmingham City University (BCU).

H.E.4 ME is a programme specifically designed to support and inspire care-experienced students, introducing them to higher education in a welcoming and accessible way.

Further details about the day’s activities and booking information will be shared in due course — please keep an eye out for updates.

Applications are now open for Unifest 2026

We’re excited to announce that applications for Unifest 2026 are now open!

Unifest is a free programme designed to give Year 10 students an inspiring taste of higher education through hands-on activities, subject taster sessions, and the chance to experience life on a university campus. It’s a brilliant opportunity for young people to build confidence, explore their future options, and meet others with similar interests.

Unifest 2026 - applications still open

Applications for Unifest 2026 are still open, with the deadline approaching on 13 March 2026.

Unifest offers students a unique opportunity to experience university life through hands-on workshops, activities, and campus-based challenges.

If you are interested please apply before the deadline.

Find out more about Unifest 2026 including how to apply

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

Open Art Studio Sessions for 11-16 Years at the Herbert Art Gallery

Tuesday 17th February 2026 - Junk Journals
Join us for some experimental art making using a range of materials. Then use your artwork as the cover for a handmade sketchbook which you can take home to continue your creative expression!

View the workshop information flyer (PDF, 1.4MB)

Friday 20 February 2026 - Wicked Workshop
Experience the magic of Wicked in an unforgettable two hour musical theatre workshop, led by a cast member from the hit West End show! Friday 20 February 2026 at The Kenilworth centre for 10-to 18-year-olds.

View the workshop information flyer (PDF, 298KB)

Tuesday 26th May 2026 - Clay Trinket Jars
Come and learn some basic clay making techniques. Then, use them to create a trinket jar to store your prized possessions.

View the workshop information flyer (PDF, 18.6 MB)

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

More sports events coming soon in partnership with Think Active.

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.

Allstars Leadership Programme

Spaces are limited, please book through the link in the flyer below.

Allstars Leadership Programme flyer (PDF, 583KB)

Details of all events are circulated by the Virtual School via the Fostering Newsletter OR sent directly to carers when targeting specific young people.

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.

View the Your Future, Your Path Flyer (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Upcoming 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

Your Future, Your Path, JLR (PDF, 1.2MB)

Discover your future – a new opportunity for 18 to 21 year olds

South and City College Birmingham, in partnership with the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System, is excited to offer a new two-day “Discover Your Future” workshop designed to support young people aged 18 to 21 who are unsure about their next steps.

Taking place on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February 2026, from 10am to 3pm, at South and City College Birmingham, Longbridge (B31 2TW), this interactive workshop is perfect for those who are curious about their strengths, interests, and potential career paths.

Over the two days, participants will take part in engaging career discovery activities and personality tools to help them better understand themselves and their skills. They will also explore a range of exciting career options and industries, receive practical tips on resumes, interviews, and personal branding, and develop a clear action plan for their future. The programme will also include guest speakers offering real-world insights, as well as fun skill-building games and group challenges.

All attendees will receive a career workbook, a participation certificate, and the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with facilitators.

Places are limited, so young people interested in taking part are encouraged to enquire and register as soon as possible by contacting Elizabeth.Allcott@uhb.nhs.uk or Ivy.Cheng@bcu.ac.uk.

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who would benefit from some extra guidance and support in planning their future – whether that’s education, training, or employment.

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