Youngsters donned cap and gown to celebrate their achievements at a graduation ceremony with a difference at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

William Aston Hall welcomed more than 100 young people from schools and youth groups across Wrexham and Flintshire for the pilot Children’s University Graduation for completing more than 30 hours of extracurricular activities.

The graduation event included young people from Ysgol Min y Ddol; Ysgol Bodhfryd; Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham; Saltney Ferry CP; St David’s High School in Saltney; Bryn Tirion Hall School; Caia Park Youth Forum; and Art and Soul Youth Tribe, Deeside.

They were invited to take part in the Children’s University pilot for Wrexham and Flintshire, starting in December 2021 for six months with the end goal of attending a ceremony if they achieved their bronze certificate at 30 hours.

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The Children’s University is a charity that works with young people and learning destinations to develop a love of learning by encouraging and celebrating participation in extra-curricular activities.

Director Jane Bellis said that the organisation has young people with learning differences and mental health challenges, some of whom are being home-schooled or struggling in mainstream school.

“Some are out of the school environment altogether or struggling their way though mainstream school,” she said.

“But when they come to the groups they have their chance to be creative, so it has a huge impact on their mental health.”

READ MORE: Former Olympic athlete Colin Jackson on hand as Glyndwr students celebrate graduation

The graduation ceremony was held in William Aston Hall, including video messages from Jayne McCubbin from BBC Breakfast News, Welsh rugby internationals Rachel Taylor and Dan Biggar, Hollywood star Michael Sheen and Olympian Colin Jackson, who is also Chancellor of WGU.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Clare Taylor, said that the Children’s University is a key part of WGU’s civic mission.

“Providing all children and young people with opportunities to engage in a wide range of learning activities both in school and at home is a vital part in achieving this,” she added.

“It’s wonderful to be able to welcome all the children that have worked so hard to celebrate their passports to learning, together with their families and teachers, to the university to celebrate their achievements."