Thursday, 26th September – The Kent Children’s University (KCU), a long-standing educational initiative, will close its doors after nearly 25 years of operation. Kent County Council (KCC), facing financial strain, announced today that the programme will be decommissioned, with the council citing declining participation numbers as a primary reason for its decision.
By discontinuing KCU, KCC expects to save £62,000 per year, with the closure resulting in the loss of one job. The move comes as KCC grapples with significant budget pressures and seeks to make over £100 million in savings over the next two years to avoid potential bankruptcy.
KCU has offered a range of events, workshops, and activities aimed at stimulating learning and engagement for primary and secondary school students. However, a recent KCC report revealed that only 15 primary schools, two secondary schools, and fewer than 500 children were enrolled in the programme. A council spokesperson explained: “The Kent Children’s University is unsustainable with only a limited number of schools and children subscribed. With this in mind, the service does not currently have the number of people it needs to continue to run.”
In a statement, KCU expressed its gratitude to those who have been involved throughout its history: “After nearly 25 years of operating with children, schools, and families, a decision by Kent County Council and The Education People has been made to decommission Kent Children’s University (KCU). This means that KCU will cease activity on Thursday, September 26, following which KCU will close.”
However, schools that wish to maintain their association with the programme can do so directly through the Children’s University Trust, which is the national body that oversees the scheme.
The statement continued, offering thanks to the KCU community: “We would like to thank all the children, families, schools, and partner organisations with whom KCU has worked, as well as all individuals who have participated in and enjoyed our programmes, events, graduations, at-home challenges, and activities.”
The decision has not been without its critics. Cllr Antony Hook, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group at KCC, described the closure as “rather sudden” and called for greater clarity on the reasons behind the move. “It’s a real loss, and this concerns me,” said Cllr Hook. “KCC members need to be given more information about the decision. KCU has been around for a very long time and has done some very valuable work. This decision seems to have been made quite abruptly.”
As KCC continues to navigate its financial challenges, the closure of the Kent Children’s University highlights the difficult decisions the council faces as it seeks to balance cost-saving measures with the needs of the community.