How Circus Impacts on Children’s Language and Literacy Development
How Circus Skills are Transforming Lives
In recent years, the challenges facing young people’s language and literacy development have been widely reported across the UK. National waiting lists for speech and language referrals continue to grow, leaving many children without the timely support they need.
At Skylight Circus Arts, our Circus Train the Trainer programme has stepped up to meet this need, offering a unique, evidence-based solution that is changing lives and advancing educational outcomes, one circus skill at a time.
The Language and Literacy Crisis in UK Schools
According The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, more than 75,000 children in the UK are on waiting lists for specialist language and literacy support. With primary schools particularly affected by this gap, teachers are seeking creative solutions to stimulate learning and personal development. Through Circus Train the Trainer, we have developed a programme that not only delivers immediate improvement but also brings joy and engagement to the learning process.
Circus: A New Approach to Development
Our Circus Train the Trainer programme empowers primary schools to support children in new, impactful ways. Designed as a flexible cascade learning model, it trains teachers to deliver circus-based activities tailored to enhance children’s speech, language and overall cognitive development. Over the past three years, Circus Train the Trainer has reached over 600 primary school children, with extraordinary results
- Language Development: In partnership with Rochdale’s Early Help and Schools, Children participating in this programme, advanced their language and literacy skills by an average of 1 year in a single term, an outcome that exceeded expectations.
- Engagement and Confidence: 90% of teachers reported that students showed increased classroom participation and improved confidence.
- Motor Skills and Concentration: Circus activities develop fine and gross motor skills, which research shows is vital for young learners’ language development and concentration. Teachers noted that students showed increased focus, resilience and a readiness to learn across subjects.
“These results point to the remarkable potential of circus arts as an innovative educational tool, particularly at a time when the demand for mental health and language support far outstrips available resources”
Martine Bradford, Creative Director
Evidence Based Impact: How Circus is Helping Schools Bridge the Gap
The Circus Train the Trainer programme has provided primary schools with a measurable and immediate solution to improve students’ language and literacy outcomes. With waiting times for specialist support exceeding 18 months in some regions, schools are often left to tackle these issues independently. Our programme has demonstrated a tangible improvement, reflected in standardised literacy and Welcomm scores, with children achieving developmental milestones faster than through traditional methods alone.
Additionally, Circus programme complements the UK government’s call for promoting and supporting mental health and wellbeing in schools and colleges, using creative approaches to mental health and well-being. Studies highlight that physically engaging and skill-based activities like circus arts help children manage anxiety, build self-esteem, and improve overall emotional resilience. Teachers have seen firsthand how circus skills are a powerful tool for self-expression, offering students a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The Power of Collaboration: Creating Long-Term Change
“Our flexible approach allows us to create bespoke delivery options for each school. We work alongside teachers and pupils to create the greatest possible impact.”
Martine Bradford Creative Director
What’s Next for Circus Train the Trainer?
Contact Skylight Circus Arts today to learn more about how circus is transforming lives and communities. Together, we can create a brighter, more connected future for our children.
