BAFTA’s learning and new talent programmes for children and young people focus on teaching how films, games and television programmes are made and the variety of roles available within these industries. Year-round programmes and standalone activities take place in schools, film festivals and other creative hubs across the UK, with a focus on some of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK.

BAFTA’s learning and new talent work is generously supported by a range of individuals, trusts and foundations, and funds raised by BAFTA members running the London Marathon. If you are interested in supporting BAFTA Kids please contact: [email protected].

Our BAFTA Kids initiatives include:

BAFTA Kids Roadshow

The BAFTA Kids Roadshow is the foundation of BAFTA’s children’s activities aimed at school groups and families aged 7- 12.  We work all over the UK and bring unforgettable experiences to children who usually wouldn’t have access to BAFTA events.   Partners include Place2Be, Leeds Young Film Festival, Into Film Cymru, Cinemagic, Belfast, Cambridge Family Film Festival and Barbican, London.

BAFTA/Thomas Alexander

BAFTA Kids Roadshow, Presenting Masterclass 2019

BAFTA Kids Roadshow with Place2Be

Since 2017, BAFTA has partnered with children’s mental health charity Place2Be, taking the BAFTA Kids Roadshow activities to primary schools in some of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK. Many of the schools visited report pupil families with inter-generational unemployment, and the percentage of participants on free school meals tended to substantially exceed the national average of 13.7%, the majority falling between 40% and 60%. Through the roadshows BAFTA Kids has been able to reach some of the country’s most vulnerable children. The Roadshow has a lasting and positive impact on the school childrens’ aspirations and confidence. 

School environments are often chaotic, and at times heart-wrenching - BAFTA Kids Roadshow gave some very vulnerable children an opportunity to dream big and for a little while forget their worries and enjoy being the amazing little people they are. Place2Be School Project Manager, Holy Trinity C of E Academy, South Shields

The Big Schools Day 

The Big Schools Day with BAFTA Kids and Alexandra Palace has grown year on year and 2020 will be its fourth consecutive year. It is BAFTA Kids’ largest standalone event, bringing together up to 1,000 pupils from Years 5, 6 and 7 in schools from the surrounding area. Designed to give the pupils a greater appreciation of what goes into making the great films, games and television shows they love so much, the event encompasses a host of different sessions with talent from in front of and behind the camera.

Lloyd Winters © 2019

BAFTA Kids Big Schools Day, Alexandra Palace, 2019

BAFTA Childrens' Hospice Screenings

At Easter and Christmas each year, BAFTA programmes a series of special screenings for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. These screenings, exclusively for the children and their families, are in partnership with local children’s hospices, taking place across the UK in locations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Each event is specially created with the needs of the families in mind, with venues being made exclusively available to the guests in order that the families feel comfortable in their surroundings. All venues have wheelchair access and all events include seasonal activities and entertainment to create a really special day out.

CHAS has been honoured to benefit from the BAFTA screenings over the years. Our commitment to these families is that no matter how short their time together may be, it will be filled with happiness and fun. Our BAFTA screenings play a huge part in this and have become a regular favourite of our CHAS families. 

High Profile Events Manager, CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland)

BAFTA Young Presenters Competition

Now in its fourth year, the BAFTA Kids Young Presenter competition is an opportunity for aspiring young broadcasters to present for BAFTA Kids’ online content. Winners are filmed at a number of locations throughout the year, including covering the red carpet at the British Academy Children’s Awards, and even presenting an award during the ceremony. The competition allows ambitious young people to learn from some of the best presenting talent in children’s media, offering them training to master their presenting skills as they consider careers in the TV and broadcast industries.

BAFTA/Laura Palmer

BAFTA Kids Young Presenter Tianna interviewing author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.