Free, volunteer-led programming clubs ("Dojos") where young people explore coding, web development and hardware at their own pace.

Teams design, build and program LEGO robots to solve themed challenges, competing at regional and national events. Brilliant for teamwork and engineering thinking.

The Scholars Programme places PhD researchers in state schools to run university-style tutorials, aimed at widening access to top universities. Free and school-nominated.

Free events, mentoring and programmes inspiring girls and non-binary young people into STEM careers, hackathons, panels and school outreach.

Government-backed cyber security courses and the CyberFirst Girls Competition, run by the National Cyber Security Centre. Free courses in the school holidays.

The national STEM Clubs programme supports thousands of school science and engineering clubs. If your child’s school doesn’t have one, this is where teachers get free resources to start one.

Tech-focused courses and holiday camps covering coding, game design, robotics, digital music and AI. Small groups with expert instructors.

Residential and day tech camps (Tech Camp Limited) covering coding, game development, electronics, robotics, engineering and film. Hands-on projects in small groups, with residential options over the summer holidays.

The Lawn Tennis Association’s national coaching programme at parks and clubs, including free and low-cost starter courses for beginners.

The England and Wales Cricket Board’s introductory schemes: All Stars (5 to 8) and Dynamos (8 to 11), eight-week blocks at thousands of local clubs, kit included.

Play-based rugby classes for pre-schoolers and young children, developing balance, coordination and social skills through fun games.

Find quality-assured gymnastics clubs through the national governing body. Great for strength, flexibility and body confidence from an early age.

The national learn-to-swim framework used by leisure centres and swimming clubs, a life skill first, a sport second.

Find accredited judo clubs through the sport’s governing body. Martial arts build discipline, respect and resilience alongside fitness.

Football-based classes for pre-schoolers and young children focused on confidence and coordination as much as sport.

One of the world’s most respected dance-teaching bodies. Its Find a Class tool lists registered teachers offering graded ballet and dance for children, with clear progression as they grow.

Weekend schools combining singing, dancing and acting, with termly performances and LAMDA exam options.

In-school band lessons where children learn drums, guitar, keyboard or vocals by playing in a real band from day one.

Weekend performing arts training in dance, drama and singing, culminating in large-scale productions at venues like the Royal Albert Hall.

Drama, dance and singing classes with a focus on confidence-building for shyer children as much as stage skills.

A prestigious, audition-based company for teenagers and young adults, with bursaries available. A serious credential for aspiring performers.

Free national festivals and performance opportunities for young musicians of every genre and standard, including the famous Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

Long-established French and Spanish clubs for young children, teaching through songs, games and stories with a structured progression scheme.

French, Spanish, German and Mandarin classes for babies through primary age, delivered in nurseries, schools and community groups.

Many communities run Saturday language schools (Mandarin, Polish, Arabic, Urdu and more). Search your local council listings, some lead to a GCSE in the language.

The UK’s largest girls-only youth organisation, weekly units with badges, adventures and leadership opportunities.

Long-standing, church-linked youth groups offering games, crafts, sport and community work in a supportive weekly setting.

After-school debating clubs run by university mentors in non-selective state schools, brilliant for confidence, articulacy and interview skills.

The world’s largest chess tournament, run through schools and clubs. Chess builds patience, planning and calm under pressure.

Maths and English tuition centres offering weekly sessions aligned to the national curriculum, plus 11+ preparation courses.

Structured maths and English programmes built on short daily worksheets and self-paced mastery. Widely used for building study habits.

Regular woodland sessions building resilience, risk judgement and love of nature. Find accredited local providers via the Forest School Association.

Junior branch of The Wildlife Trusts, local nature clubs with hands-on conservation, pond dipping and wildlife spotting.

The RSPB’s youth membership and local groups, with magazines, activities and events that get children close to birds and nature.

A co-operative youth movement with weekly groups focused on nature, camping, equality and the environment. A values-led alternative to the uniformed groups.

Uniformed youth organisations offering sailing, flying, engineering, first aid and leadership, exceptional experiences at very low cost.

Government-backed programme of away-from-home residentials, skills and social action for teenagers, heavily subsidised.

Sports and activity day camps at universities and schools across the UK, focused on getting children active with Red-Top coaches.

Long-running multi-activity day camps across London and the South East, sports, arts, swimming and adventure activities with wraparound hours for working parents.

Ofsted-registered multi-activity day camps at school sites, over 80 activities including motorsports, fencing and film-making. Childcare vouchers accepted.

Multi-activity and specialist holiday camps (LEGO robotics, cookery, performing arts) at independent school venues across England.

Forest-school-inspired day and residential camps teaching bushcraft, fire-lighting, archery and survival skills in the great outdoors.

Award-winning day and residential camps, including an English-language summer school option. Strong pastoral reputation.

Small-group academic tuition in maths, English and reasoning, with intensive 5-day holiday courses and term-time classes. Prepares children for 7+, 11+ and 13+ entrance exams and GCSEs, in person in London or online anywhere.

Specialist technology holiday camps: coding, game design, Python, robotics and more, taught in small groups. In person at venues across the South, with live online courses available nationwide.

Small-group summer schools and courses in debating and academic subjects, from maths and science to history, law and philosophy, for curious and ambitious students. Held in London and online.

The UK’s leading creative-writing charity, running residential and online courses led by published authors. Best known for adult courses, with young-writer and family weeks worth looking out for.

Academic summer school in Oxford with subject tracks from medicine and law to writing and engineering, plus online programmes. Premium-priced, so weigh it against the free and lower-cost options first.

Weekend performing-arts academies teaching drama, musical theatre and film across more than 200 UK locations, with holiday courses too. A confidence-builder as much as a stage school.