IT’S hats off to tots as this year youngsters from the Children’s University clocked up more than 10,000 hours of learning outside the classroom.

The children from all over the New Forest donned robes and mortar boards for a special celebration and their very own graduation at Winchester University.

The Children’s University rewards young people for the time they spend learning outside school. Delivered by charity The Hive, it encourages children to take part in innovative activities designed to explore new ways of learning.

Some of the workshops they have attended include forensic science, musical composition, play writing, book making and film-making.

And teachers say the Children’s University aims to develop a “culture of achievement and lifelong learning from an early age, while focusing on the transition stage between primary and secondary school and increasing motivation”.

Special congratulations went to Rhianne Dean, from Fawley Infant School, who has earned 700 hours of learning outside the classroom and will receive a Post Graduate Gold Diploma.

Beth Anderson and Harry Barker, from Blackfield Primary School each received post graduate bronze diplomas for clocking up 630 hours.

The Hive executive director Lesley Stout said: “It was a very proud day for me, the students, their friends and family and everyone involved in the university.”