Families Cambridgeshire March April 2026 Easter issue
Spring is full of promise as we welcome the first signs of life after a long, cold winter. It won’t be long before we can all enjoy the simple pleasures of spring: blossom on the trees, the warmth of the sun, fresh cut grass, newborn lambs and lots of family time over the Easter holidays.
2026 is the UK’s National Year of Reading, what better way to inspire a love of reading than listening to a favourite author at this year’s Cambridge Literary Festival which is returning this spring with a host of brilliant writers and unmissable conversations with lots of free events for families and children. We’ve done the hard work for you and selected plenty of things to see and do in our regular ‘What’s On’ pages. Happy Easter!
facebook.com/famcambsmag
Wise words!
EDITOR: Lisa Exell 01945 861336, editor@familiescambridgeshire.co.uk
Families Cambridgeshire reaches over 40,000 readers and is available through schools, nurseries, hospitals, clubs and classes, selected shops and restaurants. If you would like copies for your establishment please let us know.
Families Cambridgeshire is a franchise of Families Print Ltd of 75 Lisbon Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5HL. Families is a registered trademark of Families Print Ltd. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. The contents of Families Cambridgeshire are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Cambridgeshire. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine but the franchise owner and Families Print Ltd cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers, nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.
A FAMILY TICKET OF 4 TO TOM GATES AROUND THE WORLD SHOW.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE, 12.30PM
Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, Tom Gates EPIC Stage show is at the Kings Lynn Corn Exchange theatre in June bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular around the world! With catchy tunes and hilarious performances, this fantastic new stage show brings the best of the Brilliant World of Tom Gates into one live show!
To enter please visit our Facebook page @FamCambsMag. Good luck.
Please see the Facebook page for T&C’s.
AUDLEY
END ENCHANTED RAILWAY
LAUNCHES NEW PLAY VILLAGE THIS MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND
14–15 March | Mothers and Grandmothers Go Free
Audley End Enchanted Railway is welcoming spring with the launch of its brand-new Play Village this Mother’s Day Weekend (14–15 March). Designed for toddlers and little ones, the Play Village features five themed role-play houses, including a café, wood workshop, hospital, school and music house, encouraging imagination, confidence and social development through play.
In 2025 Audley End worked with Dr. Sara Baker, a developmental psychologist from the University of Cambridge. She gave insight on how they could develop their offering to further support babies and young children’s learning and development. Her feedback helped to develop the play village, stating that “children’s development is enhanced with activities that are playful, where children spend time with their caregivers in relatively unstructured environments that spark imagination.” We hope this new play village offers exactly that.
Families can also enjoy the enchanted woodland train ride, around the forest, and look out for spring scenes around the track. Once back at the station, hop off and explore the Fairy and Elf Walk as the site
From AI to climate repair: Cambridge Festival returns to spark curiosity at every age, and to show that learning can be joyful
While this year’s festival tackles heavy themes, it also makes room for curiosity, play and shared discovery. Families and younger audiences are invited to explore hands-on science and creative activities designed to inspire as much as they inform.
Highlights include Ice Explorers, a lively introduction to polar science through icebergs and penguins, as well as interactive events that turn climate modelling, engineering and technology into something to build, test and experiment with. The aim, organisers say, is to spark curiosity at every age, and to show that learning can be joyful.
There are literally hundreds of free events for children of all ages across Cambridge during both weekends of the festival. The best place to see what’s on offer is via the festivals website: www.festival.cam. ac.uk Some are ticketed events, but many are drop in.
comes into bloom. Let little ones burn off energy at the adventure playground. The woodland café will be open serving hot drinks, lunches and sweet treats. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
British Science Week –Curiosity: what’s your question?
British Science Week 2026 is set to run from 6 to 15 March, bringing together schools, community groups, and science enthusiasts across the UK for a nationwide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Organised by the British Science Association, the annual event offers a packed programme of activities, experiments, and events aimed at sparking curiosity and excitement about science among people of all ages.
This year’s theme “Curiosity: what’s your question?” puts participants at the centre, encouraging everyone—especially children—to ask the questions they’re most curious about and to discover how they might find answers. The event celebrates curiosity as the driving force behind all scientific discovery, highlighting that it’s not just essential to science, but also to understanding and improving our everyday lives. To find a local event or download a free activity pack, visit www.britishscienceweek.org
National Year of Reading 2026: Inspiring Every Child to Love Books
Footballer Leah Williamson and bestselling author Richard Osman are supporting the National Year of Reading 2026, launched by the National Literacy Trust to inspire children across the UK to “go all in” on reading. The campaign addresses the decline in reading for pleasure, with only one in three children now enjoying books.
Throughout the year, the initiative will feature author visits, book giveaways, and reading challenges, focusing especially on children in communities with limited access to books. Schools and libraries are encouraged to create welcoming spaces, while families are supported to make reading a daily habit. Williamson, Osman, and other ambassadors aim to show that books can be exciting and relevant for every child. By encouraging a love of stories early on, the National Year of Reading hopes to build children’s literacy skills, confidence, and future opportunities. More info: literacytrust.org.uk
Image credit: Echo Worlds, ARU
GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN
The next Great British Spring Clean, organised by Keep Britain Tidy, is scheduled for 6 to 22 March 2026. This annual campaign encourages individuals, schools, businesses, and community groups across the UK to act against litter by volunteering to clean up their local areas.
Participants can pledge to pick up as much litter as they can, either solo, with family and friends, or as part of larger community events. More info: www.keepbritaintidy.org
Major Overhaul in UK Employment Law Boosts Rights for Parents
The UK’s Employment Rights Act is now law, marking the biggest overhaul of workplace protections in decades. For the first time, new parents will gain day-one rights to paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, sick pay, and bereavement leave, including for early pregnancy loss. The Act strengthens legal protections for women during pregnancy and extends safeguards after maternity leave, aiming to close gaps that have pushed many mothers out of work.
The legislation also tackles insecure employment, ending exploitative zero-hours contracts by introducing guaranteed hours, pay for cancelled shifts, and more predictable schedules. These changes promise greater stability and security for families balancing work and childcare.
Most reforms will take effect from 2026 to 2027. Campaigners hail the Act as a historic milestone for parents’ rights but emphasize that further steps are needed to eliminate workplace discrimination and achieve true equality for all working families.
World Autism Acceptance Month 2026
World Autism Acceptance Month will be observed throughout April 2026, focusing on increasing understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people. Organised by charities like the National Autistic Society and supported by schools, businesses, and communities, the annual campaign aims to move beyond awareness and promote genuine acceptance of neurodiversity in all aspects of life.
This year’s activities will include educational events, social media campaigns, and fundraising to support autism-friendly initiatives and resources. Many organisations will share stories and experiences from autistic people and their families, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the diversity and strengths within the autism community. Schools and workplaces are encouraged to participate by hosting assemblies, workshops, or “Autism Acceptance” days.
The campaign also advocates for better support and opportunities for autistic individuals, aiming to tackle barriers in education, employment, and public life. For resources and ways to get involved, visit the National Autistic Society’s website. To find out how to get involved, visit www.autism.org.uk
Kids eat free at Prezzo
Parents are busier than ever, between packed schedules, hungry kids, and rising bills, family meals out can feel more stressful than relaxing. That’s why Prezzo is jumping in to help families with the launch of its brand new Prezzo Italian Kids Club.
From just £1.99 a month (£19.99 a year), up to three children can enjoy a free three-course meal every time an adult orders a full-priced main, all year round. This is the UK’s first family dining subscription, designed to take the pressure off parents.
No more scrambling for deals or worrying about the cost of eating out. Download the Prezzo’s app to subscribe.
Teachers to be trained to spot misogyny
Teachers in England are set to receive additional training to help them identify and address misogyny in schools, under new government plans aimed at reducing violence against women and girls. The initiative will equip teachers to spot early signs of misogynistic attitudes among boys and intervene before such views escalate.
The strategy, part of broader efforts to halve violence against women within a decade, also includes education for students about consent, healthy relationships, and challenging harmful gender stereotypes. A new helpline will be launched to support teenagers worried about abuse in their relationships.
Polling cited by ministers shows one in six boys aged 13-15 hold positive views of Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynist influencer. Ministers say these measures will help protect girls and prevent boys from being drawn into harmful ideologies online. The government hopes early intervention in schools will stop misogyny before it leads to future abuse (The Guardian).
Enhanced Search Tool for Families with Complex Medical Needs
Launched
WellChild has relaunched its digital platform In Your Area following significant investment and extensive collaboration with parents and carers of children with complex medical needs. The platform helps families find relevant local services and support through a simple postcode search.
The relaunch introduces enhanced filtering options, allowing users to refine results based on their child’s specific accessibility requirements. This helps families identify genuinely suitable services rather than relying on generic listings. WellChild believes it’s the first UK digital resource offering this level of tailored, accessibility-focused search for families with complex medical needs.
The improved platform addresses parent feedback that finding appropriate support can feel overwhelming and time-consuming alongside caring responsibilities. It also supports healthcare professionals who signpost families to local services but may lack access to up-to-date, area-specific information needed to match families with suitable support.
ADHD drugs in children don’t work the way we thought
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine challenges long-held beliefs about how ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall work.
Traditionally thought to directly enhance brain regions responsible for attention, the research found that these stimulants primarily activate brain systems tied to reward and wakefulness, rather than attention networks. Using brain imaging data from nearly 5,800 children, the study showed that stimulants make tasks feel more rewarding and help children feel more alert, which indirectly helps them focus.
The study found that children with ADHD who took stimulants and were sleep deprived performed better on cognitive tests and had higher school grades than those who did not take medication. However, the researchers warn that masking the effects of poor sleep with stimulants could have long-term consequences, and they urge clinicians to consider sleep quality when evaluating and treating ADHD. www.sciencedaily.com
What’s On
Things to do, places to go and fun to be had for kids of all ages in
Cambridgeshire
Family Days Out
WHEN: Open daily
WHERE: Anglesey Abbey, Lode, Cambridge NT
The perfect place for a family adventure. Tick off some of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ while you’re there, such as den building and making wild art. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Visit the Winter Garden
WHEN: Open daily until Tues 31 March
WHERE: Cambridge University Botanic Garden
This Garden dazzles visitors as winter turns to spring with evolving colour and striking trees. First planted in 1979, it offers a showcase of winter planting in a beautiful setting. www.museums.cam.ac.uk
Family Days Out
WHEN: Open daily from 9.30am
WHERE: Wimpole Estate, Royston NT Wimpole Estate offers family fun for all! Explore stunning architecture, meet farm animals and enjoy outdoor adventures in any weather. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Lambing Live 2026
WHEN: Running until 1 May 2026 (open Thurs – Sun, 10am – 5pm)
WHERE: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph Visitors can meet and feed rescued lambs needing care at Lambing Live. Watch newborns in the sheep maternity ward or nursery and learn about their stories and farm life.
www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk
Museum Visit
WHEN: Thurs-Sat weekly, 10.00am – 4.00pm
WHERE: Royston Museum
There are over 2000 years of history to be discovered at Royston Museum with displays about the Romans, local industry, the Victorians, the World Wars and entertainment. Free entry. www.roystonmuseum.org.uk
PAXTON PITS NATURE RESERVE
WHEN: Open daily
WHERE: Little Paxton
This reserve is a lovely place to enjoy nature, made up of lakes, meadows and woodland rich in wildlife. You’ll find guided, accessible trails and a friendly visitor centre.
www.paxton-pits.org.uk
Mother’s Day Weekend
WHEN: Sat 14 – Sun 15 March
WHERE: Audley End Enchanted Railway, Saffron Walden
Families are invited to celebrate Mother’s Day in the forest with scenic walks, a new train ride, wildlife spotting and playful attractions. Enjoy the return of spring in a fun-filled outdoor day out. Tickets: £15.50 & £7.75.
Mothers go FREE!
www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
Justin Live –
Justin Time to Rock
WHEN: Sun 15 March, 11.00am & 2.30pm
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
Audiences can enjoy a high-energy family theatre show packed with music, dancing and laughter, featuring lively characters, a rock-themed contest and feel-good fun that leaves everyone smiling. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
Woodland Adventure Days
WHEN: 17 March - 4 October
WHERE: Audley End Enchanted Railway, Saffron Walden
Woodland Adventure Days offer families a relaxed, great-value outing with playground fun, fairy walks and train rides, providing a peaceful weekday escape for parents, grandparents and younger children.
WHERE: University of Cambridge Science writer Dr Letizia Diamante and Diva the Duck host an interactive workshop exploring Cambridge’s scientific history. Inspired by her book, families solve clues, tackle activities and uncover discoveries. Part of the Cambridge Festival programme. www.festival.cam.ac.uk
Mucky Pups
WHEN: Fri 27 March & Fri 24
April, 10.30am – 12.00pm
WHERE: Wicken Fen, Ely
Messy outdoor adventures for pre-schoolers, featuring seasonal activities, crafts and stories. Perfect for curious young explorers, with an accompanying adult. £7 per child. Age 2 – 5 years. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Nature Walk from Stow Hall Gardens
WHEN: Sat 28 March, 10.00am – 12.30pm
WHERE: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph
Visitors can join a guided garden walk with the Gamekeeper, learning about nest boxes, spotting wildlife habitats and discovering practical tips for encouraging birds, hedgehogs and other creatures into gardens. Cost: £12. Age 8+ www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk
The Little Mermaid
WHEN: Sat 28 March, 2.00pm & 6.00pm
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
Dive under the sea with Enchanted Entertainment’s Easter pantomime The Little Mermaid, featuring pop songs, lively dance routines, audience participation and plenty of laughter in a magical family adventure. Tickets: £25 - £28. www. kingslynncornexchange.co.uk
Easter Family Funyard
WHEN: Sat 28 March –Mon 6 April
WHERE: Skylark Garden Centre, March
Families can enjoy a fantastic day out, feeding adorable lambs and exploring the huge Funyard on the Go-Karts. Kids will love trying out Water Wars, The Beach and King Coop’s Castle. The Skylark Eggspress heads to Wilderness Woods for Easter activities, plus a family comedy show and entertainment from Pompom. www.skylark-events.co.uk
Easter Special
WHEN: 28 March - 12 April
WHERE: Audley End Enchanted Railway, Saffron Walden
Families can enjoy a magical Easter railway adventure filled with seasonal surprises, friendly characters, interactive storytelling, forest scenes and hands-on activities, creating memorable springtime fun for all ages. www.audley-end-railway.co.uk
Even more impossible questions
(part of Cambridge Festival)
WHEN: Sunday 29 March
WHERE: University of Cambridge Award-winning author Isabel Thomas explores children’s strangest questions about snot and unboiling eggs. Families enjoy interactive experiments and share their own puzzling ideas, with a chance to feature in her next book. Age 6+ www.festival.cam.ac.uk
Ice Age Adventure Live
WHEN: Weds 8 April, 2.00pm
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
A mammoth mission in a frozen world! Go back in time to meet amazing prehistoric animals in this great family show. Help the heroes to save the woolly mammoth by joining in the frosty fun. Tickets £19. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
Pop Party
WHEN: Mon 13 April, 3.00pm
WHERE: King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
Pop Party is a show made up of fan-favourite tracks from the smash-hit film K-Pop Demon Hunters. This high-energy, familyfriendly show promises to bring the world of pop to life. www.kingslynncornexchange. co.uk
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
WHEN: Wed 1 - Sat 4 April
WHERE: Cambridge Corn Exchange Cambridge Operatic Society present the wellknown story of Willy Wonka, the renowned chocolatier, who grants five golden tickets to his extraordinary factory to five lucky children. Tickets: £20.00 - £36.50. www.cornex.co.uk
Families What's on
CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL
WHEN: Sat 25 – Sun 26 April
WHERE: Cambridge Union and Palmerston Room, Cambridge
Want to become a genius in a year? Or learn more about myths and legends? Find out more by meeting some authors of much-loved children’s literature including, Cressida Cowell, Athena Kugblenu, Louie Stowell, Rashmi Sirdeshpande and others. Explore a variety of genres in interactive and inspiring activities. Age 2+ www.cambridgeliteraryfestival. com
Dawn Chorus Walk
WHEN: Sat 3 May, 5.00am start WHERE: Church Farm, Stow Bardolph
Early risers are invited to enjoy a peaceful dawn walk, listening to the morning chorus and spotting wildlife, before gathering for a hearty meat or vegetarian breakfast at 8.30am.
Cost: £20. Age 8+ www.churchfarmstowbardolph. co.uk
Please mention Families Cambridgeshire Magazine when booking events
SCIENCE THAT WOWS AT EASTER!
WHEN: Open daily during Easter Holidays, 9.00am – 4.00pm
WHERE: Cambridge Science Centre
Experience the spectacular Moonshot Live Show, where science and space exploration come to life in an exciting, interactive performance. Get up close with nature in Red Kite Rescue, and dive into the wonders of the human body with Guardians of the Inside. Explore the brand-new feature: Building a Better Future. www.cambridgesciencecentre.org
Families Education
CAMBRIDGE LITERARY FESTIVAL
FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS 2026
Cambridge Literary Festival is returning this spring with a host of brilliant writers and unmissable conversations. 2026 is the UK’s National Year of Reading, and the festival has joined forces with the Go All In campaign to help turn the page on the reading crisis for children and young people. The free children’s programme returns with a new dedicated Children’s Zone in the beautiful Cambridge Union Library. Here children can relax with a book, take part in craft activities, have their portraits drawn by illustrator Tonka Uzu, and listen to stories told by master storyteller Chip Colquhoun. Inspire a love of reading by visiting one of these brilliant children’s authors at this years festival. www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
Nick Butterworth | Percy the Park Keeper! Stories from the Park
Sat 25 Apr 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00pm
Join award-winning author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, creator of the much-loved magical world of Percy the Park Keeper. For this very special family event Nick will share his favourite stories from the Percy collection and introduce his brand-new picture book Once Upon a Journey where Percy embarks on a camping holiday in a ‘sailing car’. Ages 2-6.
Louie Stowell | Loki Live! A Bad God’s Guide to Causing Chaos
Sat 25 Apr 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00am
Get ready for myths, mayhem, and lots of laughs! Join bestselling author Louie Stowell for a rib-tickling event celebrating her doodle-packed Loki series. Her latest book, Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Causing Chaos, contains more gods, magic, monsters, and an adventure with Loki’s arch enemy Vinir, an annoying luscious-locked elven menace. Come along to learn about where Louie’s ideas come from and about the Norse mythology that inspires her books. Warning: mischief is guaranteed! Ages 8-12.
Rashmi Sirdeshpande | Super Uma
Sat 25 Apr 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm
Join award-winning author Rashmi Sirdeshpande for a joyful event celebrating her new picture book Super Uma, illustrated by Nakul P. Rashmi will share a read-aloud, talk about dreaming up stories that crackle with imagination and explore the themes at the heart of Super Uma –collaboration, empathy and creating spaces where everyone can feel safe and happy. Expect warmth, humour and lots of joining in! Ages 3-7.
Cressida Cowell | Which Way to the Future
Sun 26 Apr 2026 | 10:00 - 11:00am
We welcome the return of festival superstar and award-winning author (and former Children’s Laureate) Cressida Cowell, creator of the book and film sensation How to Train Your Dragon, and other bestselling series Which Way to Anywhere and The Wizards of Once. Cressida will introduce her latest bestselling book, Which Way to the Future, talk about her inspiration and give writing and drawing tips. Her events are energetic, inspiring and unmissable. Ages 7-12
Athena Kugblenu | History’s Most Epic Fails
Sun 26 Apr 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00pm
Get ready for the kind of history you’ve never heard of before! Join comedian and CBBC’s Horrible Histories writer Athena Kugblenu for a mind-boggling event based on her book History’s Most Epic Fails! From ridiculous rulers to ludicrous inventions and totally terrible disasters, Athena reveals the moments when history went hilariously wrong. Think you know everything about history? Think again! Ages 7-12.
Mike Rampton | Become a Genius
Sat 25 Apr 2026 | 4:00 - 5:00pm
Jude Simpson | A Noise Annoys Show
Sun 26 Apr 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00pm
Poet, entertainer and three-time national slam champion Jude Simpson performs an uplifting hour of witty wordplay, silly songs and fun interaction for anyone aged 6+ and their families. From a song celebrating peanut butter sandwiches to a tongue twister about naming your pet badger, there is lots of joy, a healthy dose of nonsense, and a few heartfelt moments of beautiful hush. Suitable for all ages.
Do you want to become the world’s greatest clever-clogs? Then this is the event for you! Writer, journalist, and occasional stand-up comedian Mike Rampton joins the festival to share his most hilarious and interesting facts that you don’t learn in school. From how to milk a cow, to the history of the duckbilled platypus, Mike has all the answers in his new book, Become a Genius in a Year! Ages 7-11.
How stories teach children to love solutions
We’ve trained children to love the chaos in stories, not the calm that follows. When I once asked a Year 2 class their favourite part of a story, every hand shot up for the problem: Goldilocks breaking chairs, the wolf blowing houses down. ‘The solution’s the boring bit,’ one girl said. But real growth, in stories and in life, begins when we start solving things. Those ‘what next?’ moments can teach resilience, creativity and confidence. Solutions give them tools they can carry into maths, friendships and everyday decisions.
FLIP THE SCRIPT
What if the solution was the most exciting part? Kids love the drama of ‘uh-oh’ but it’s time they saw the ‘what next?’ as just as fun, with problem-solving an adventure in itself. Encourage children to pause mid-story and predict solutions. Their often wild, funny or clever ideas are exactly what trains flexible thinking.
A SPARK FROM EDWARD DE BONO
Researching Edward de Bono, the father of ‘lateral thinking,’ taught me that adults often fall into fixed patterns. But five-yearolds? They’re natural innovators. When de Bono asked children to improve a broken wheelbarrow, their wild ideas outshone those of CEOs and engineers. The youngest thinkers are our boldest problem-solvers, if we let them remain that way. Curiosity and play aren’t distractions from learning; they’re the engine behind original solutions. Thinking sideways strengthens their ability to approach problems with confidence and creativity.
STORYTIME EXPERIMENT: LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
Pause the story right before the woodcutter saves the day and ask: ‘What else could Red Riding Hood do?’ You’ll get chaos - poison apples and superheroes - but then, something magical: ‘She could trick the wolf!’ or “She could turn him vegetarian!’ Suddenly, your child isn’t just reading a story, they’re rewriting it with imagination.
By Sarah Tucker
BREAKING THE PARENT LOOP
Many children inherit their parents’ patterns, fear of failure, perfectionism, even ‘I’m just not good at maths’. Storytelling lets children imagine new family scripts. It’s a gentle way of saying: you can rewrite more than just fairy tales. By modelling curiosity instead of frustration, parents show that every problem has more than one path forward. The earlier children experience this freedom, the sooner they internalise a growth mindset that will help them both in school and life.
SOLUTIONS CLASSROOM: SMALL WINS
It doesn’t have to be a grand plot twist. Even small, everyday problems offer opportunities for children to exercise lateral thinking. When a child figures out a new way to organise their desk, solve a tricky arithmetic problem or negotiate roles in a group activity, celebrate it. These micro-moments of problem-solving build confidence and encourage risk-taking. By valuing these ‘little victories,’ we signal that solutions are as exciting as the preceding dramas. Over time, children begin to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.
TRY THIS AT HOME:
Lateral thinking doesn’t need worksheets. Ask: ‘What’s another way to see this?’
‘What would the villain say?’
‘Can you invent three solutions, even silly ones?’
At first it feels like play - but play is the training ground for flexible thinking. Before long, your child sees every problem as an invitation, not a wall.
MAKING MISTAKES A PLAYGROUND
Children often fear getting it wrong, so they stick to what’s ‘safe.’ Stories can help them see mistakes as invitations rather than punishments. Pause a tale when a character errs and ask: ‘How could this be fixed differently?’ Encourage three or four possibilities, even absurd ones. Soon, pupils learn that failure isn’t final - it’s a springboard for creativity. Turning errors into play fosters resilient, imaginative and willing problem-solvers, able to tackle challenges both in and outside the classroom.
A QUIET REVOLUTION IN STORYTIME
Stories can be mischievous, funny and deeply thoughtful all at once. Beneath the laughter lies a quiet mission: to teach children that solving problems can be joyful, creative and brave. Every resolution plants a seed of agency, showing that change begins with thought, not luck. When stories honour effort over rescue, children learn to trust their own ideas. If they grow up loving solutions as much as stories, they’ll out-think us all. And wouldn’t that be rather wonderful?
Sarah Tucker is the author of Size Six, Size Seven and Size Eight (Cambridge Children’s Press), a trilogy of playful, illustrated chapter books helping children think creatively about problem-solving and Love Laterally (Aurora Metro), the biography of Edward de Bono. For further details, visit www.theboardroombard.com
Daily bus from Cambridge
A SCHOOL WHERE YOU CAN DISCOVER THE BEST VERSION OF YOU
COME AND JOIN US AT ONE OF OUR OPEN EVENTS
One school. One family. Find
kimboltonschool com/preschool
Friday, 8 May - Pre-School & Prep School
Saturday, 19 September - Senior School & Sixth Form
Redefining educational success
In my twenty-five years as a school teacher, I’ve had hundreds of conversations with parents about what would be best for their children. What all those conversations had in common was that, no matter what was happening at home, in the classroom or with the children’s learning, what parents wanted most from education was for their children to be happy. And why not? Nothing is more precious than seeing a child truly happy and content in being who they are.
Yet many of us still enrol our children in schools that boast about achieving the highest grades, having the biggest swimming pools or ranking highest on national league tables, without considering what these schools do to make our children feel content, purposeful and passionate
The reality of being number one
In 2022, the OECD’s PISA rankings named Singapore as the number one school system in the world regarding academic attainment. The country has a regular spot in the top five, alongside Taiwan, Macau and Japan.
But does that mean those children are getting the best start in life?
Paradoxically, the OECD also releases The World Happiness Report, which ranks the world’s happiest countries. If academic rankings were linked to happiness levels, surely we’d see the same countries in the top positions on both reports. But that’s not the case.
Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Finland all top the happiness rankings. How can that be?
There is a clear mismatch between our children’s academic grades and their levels of happiness. Although Singapore’s education system is renowned for its academic rigour and high standards, I’ve heard numerous firsthand accounts that this desire to be the best comes at a cost. Several studies speak to this same cost - alarmingly high levels of
By Gavin McCormack
anxiety among Singaporean students, primarily attributed to academic pressure - including the 2017 OECD study that found eighty-six percent of Singaporean students were worried about getting poor grades - even when well-prepared, compared to the OECD’s global average of sixtysix percent (which is still very high).
The study revealed that the pressure stems from various sources, including parental expectations, societal emphasis on academic achievement and the competitive nature of the education system itself, which is not unique to Singapore. A fear of failure and internalising expectations doesn’t sound like a healthy childhood to me. The consequences of chronic stress can be severe, affecting students’ mental and emotional wellbeing, sleep patterns and quality of life. The focus on academic achievement can also lead to losing interest in learning, where the joy of discovery is replaced by the anxiety of performance.
Simply put, if we put too much emphasis on our children getting the top grades, competing against each other and avoiding failure at all costs, they’ll inevitably become more anxious. Interestingly, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and Finland - the top four countries on the 2022 OECD’s happiness ranking all have one thing in common: their citizens have immense personal freedom, choice and high trust levels within their communities - qualities that all work together to prevent the development of anxiety and depression.
If we really want to put children’s happiness first, then we should choose schools that trust them to make their own decisions, learn from their mistakes, have agency over their learning and engage with the real world.
What do the words ‘best school’ mean?
Before you enrol your child in any school, you have to decide what ‘best’ means to you.
Is it one dictated by grades, points, scores, facilities and reputation? Or is a successful school journey not about ‘what’ your child becomes but ‘who’?
In my view, it’s the latter. For me, education is about allowing a child to find their passion and attend a school that embraces the same values and visions for the future that their family holds dear.
This article is an extract from the book Raising Resilient Children by Gavin McCormack, published by Simon & Schuster.
Kimbolton School, Cambridge
Kimbolton School, Cambridgeshire is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 3 to 18 set in historic surroundings. Celebrating 425 years of educational excellence, it combines rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach. The school is known for its strong academic results, extensive co-curricular programme and exceptional pastoral care. The main campus centres on a stunning castle, home to the Senior School, while the Prep and newly launched Pre-School are set in nearby parkland. Pupils thrive in a close-knit community where every individual is known and supported. Boarders join from across the
St Faith's School, Cambridge
St Faith’s is part of The Leys and St Faith’s Foundation and offers a rigorous day school education for girls and boys aged 3 to 13. We value kindness, community and excellence, as well as respect, equality, diversity and service. The curriculum from Reception to year 8, is tailored to help pupils understand their learning styles. Wellbeing and pastoral care are prioritised to foster leadership, teamwork and environmental responsibility, while small class sizes, specialist teachers and excellent facilities enable high attainment outcomes. The school emphasises future focused education, teaching computing
The Perse School, Cambridge
The Perse School Cambridge is a coeducational day school for children aged 3-18, who attend our Pelican, Prep, Upper or Sixth Form. We want every pupil to share a love of learning while developing a character of kindness and understanding towards one another. We value endeavour, intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance and one another and the environment. We are a visionary school, always looking forward as we shape the exceptional education our pupils receive, knowing that the future belongs to them. We promote academic excellence through a challenging curriculum, outstanding
Wisbech Grammar School
As we approach our 650th anniversary, Wisbech Grammar School celebrates a rich tradition of nurture, endeavour, opportunity and excellence - a tradition that continues to shape the futures of our pupils. For generations, we have supported every child to thrive academically, personally and beyond the classroom.
At WGS, strong academic ambition is paired with exceptional pastoral care. Small class sizes mean teachers can focus on each pupil’s individual strengths, providing guidance and challenge in equal measure, helping every child achieve their very best. Education here extends far beyond
UK and overseas, attracted by the school’s warm, family ethos and its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. With a strong track record of success in university placements, creative and performing arts, sport and leadership, Kimbolton School offers a balanced, ambitious education that nurtures curiosity, character and confidence.
Open Date: Pre-School and Prep School open morning - Friday 8 May 2026
from year 1 and engineering from year 3. Our science labs and computer suites are used across all year groups, and The Hub supports interdisciplinary projects. Humanities, languages, art, drama and music are also well represented in the curriculum. Sports are integral, with access to 25 acres of playing fields. Over 20 sports are taught, with national and regional titles in various disciplines.
Open Date: Pre Prep & Year 3 Saturday 25 April, Prep (Years 3-7) Saturday 10 October
teaching, intellectual curiosity and scholarship as well as high quality pastoral care to meet individual needs, and support the development of happy, balanced and considerate pupils.
We offer several bursaries for new pupils applying for entry into Year 7 and above with awards ranging from 5-100% of annual fees. Currently, we are providing more than £1million of bursary support to pupils.
Web: www.perse.co.uk
Tel: 01223 403800
Contact: Admissions@perse.co.uk
Open Date: Prep Open Morning: 15 May, 9.15am-12pm
examinations. Our extensive enrichment programme, which includes sport, the arts and leadership opportunities, encourages pupils to explore their passions, broaden their horizons and develop confidence in every aspect of school life.
Rooted in heritage yet looking to the future, WGS empowers pupils to take responsibility for their learning, discover their talents, and fulfil their potential - preparing them for success today and tomorrow.
Web: www.wisbechgrammar.com
Tel: 01945 586750
Contact: admissions@wisbechgrammar.com
Open Date: Saturday 9 May, 09:30 to 12:30, Saturday 26 September, 09:30 to 12:30
BOOST YOUR CHILD’S SWIMMING THIS HOLIDAY
Weekday holiday courses are the perfect power-up for regular swimmers or a great taster to Better Swim School swimming lessons. Speak to a member of staff or scan the QR code to find out more.
AGES 4-16 YEARS
cambridge_Layout 1 29/08/2020 22:59 Page 1
What’s On
Things to do this springdrama, music & sport something for everyone in
Cambridgeshire
The Hive Swimming
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: The Hive, Ely
Whether you’re looking for fun and engaging swimming classes for your kids or want to learn the swimming basics yourself, The Hive have got a class for you! They cater for all ages and levels of ability, from baby and parent lessons to women’s only classes and more. www.better.org.uk
Girlguiding
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
Girlguiding offers a safe space in which your child can build confidence through an action-packed programme with something for every girl. Rainbows (4-7), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) or Rangers (14-18). www.girlguiding.org.uk
Junior Swim & Climbing Lessons
WHERE: The Perse Sports Centre, Cambridge
Swim England’s Learn to Swim lessons, Stages 1 – 10, help to develop competent swimmers through enjoyment.
NICAS Climbing courses provide a safe, fun introduction to climbing indoors, helping learners develop climbing skills and build confidence. Ages 4-17 years. www.sportscentre.perse.co.uk
The Perse Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA)
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: The Perse School, Cambridge
PAPA offers outstanding performing arts training for Reception to Year 13, nurturing creativity, confidence and skills through acting, singing, dance and musical theatre, with showcases for all performers to inspire. www.papa.perse.co.uk
Razzamataz Cambridge
WHEN: Saturdays
WHERE: Impington Village College, Cambridge Razzamataz Cambridge - where creativity, confidence and community thrive! The expert team delivers inspiring dance, singing and acting training, blending commercial and musicaltheatre styles. Students gain life skills, resilience, communication, teamwork and make lasting friendships in a fun, supportive environment. www.razzamataz.co.uk
Scouts
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Locations around Cambridgeshire
As a Scout you can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming, or even how to fly a plane! It’s a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express your creativity and experience the wider world. Age 4 to 25 years. www.cambridgeshirescouts. org.uk
EASTER HOLIDAY CAMPS
Barracudas Activity Day Camps
WHEN: Easter Holiday
WHERE: Cambridge and Ely
A great adventure for kids in the school holidays! With over 80 activities for your child to choose from there’s something for everyone, whatever they’re into! www.barracudas.co.uk
Cambridge Kids Club Holiday Playscheme
WHEN: Every school holiday
WHERE: Cambridge, Cottenham, Great Shelford, Great Cambourne, Histon
Fully supervised care throughout the school holidays where children may participate in arts and crafts, play games, read or simply socialise in a safe and secure environment. Age 4 – 11. www.cambridgekidsclub.com
Cambridge United’s Soccer School
WHEN: Easter Holiday
WHERE: Chesterton, Cambridgeshire
This daily holiday camp engages players in activities including, football quizzes, football World 11 teams and more! Cost £25 a day. Age 5 – 12. www.powerleague.com
The Hive: Holiday Activities
WHEN: School holidays
WHERE: Ely
When school holidays are underway, The Hive offers a wide range of activities to keep kids busy and active. There is lots to choose between, from learning new skills to having fun with family and friends, including Swim School courses, swimming sessions, Aqua Splash and Junior Gym. www.better.org.uk
Kids Holiday Camps
WHEN: Easter Holiday, 8.30am to 4.00pm
WHERE: Hills Road Sports and Tennis Centre
An action-packed experience that promises fun, fitness and friendship. Activities include tennis, football, kwik-cricket, basketball, uni-hock, table tennis, badminton, dodgeball and soft archery. Age 5 – 13. www.hillsroadsportscentre.co.uk
The Perse School Easter Multisport Camp
WHEN: 30 Mar – 2 April, 9.00am-3.30pm
WHERE: Cambridge
This popular camp returns for 2026, alongside new courses from The Perse Academy of Performing Arts for children aged 7–12. Activities include climbing, swimming and indoor sports, plus flexible performing arts sessions. Wraparound options available. Also - keep an eye on the website for Summer School bookings persesummerschool.co.uk
Stagecoach Performing Arts
WHEN: Term time: WednesdaysFridays after school, and weekends
WHERE: Coleridge, Chesterton and Cambourne
Stagecoach provides quality part-time training in the performing arts for children aged 4 – 18 years. Their aim is to nurture and develop young potential and confidence through singing, acting and dance classes, as well as being educational. Go along and join the fun! www.stagecoach.co.uk/cambridge
