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Below are some links to articles, essays and studies involving learning circus skills.
 
Bang Goes The Theory – “Can You Train Your Brain?” (21 April 2010)

A segment from the BBC One TV series “Bang Goes The Theory” (from a special hour-long episode called “Can You Train Your Brain?”). This episode did a test which showed how juggling can increase the grey matter in the brain.
 
“Juggling increases brain power” (12 October 2009)

This BBC News article describes a study which showed a 5% increase in white matter caused by learning complex tasks such as juggling.
Quote: “At the six week point, a 5% increase in white matter was shown in a rear section of the brain called the intraparietal sulcus for the jugglers.”
 
“What’s behind the success of spaced learning?” (13 February 2009)

This article describes a study involving interspersing short bursts of physical activity such as circus skills into lessons.
Quote: “Results, according to the head teacher, Paul Kelley, have been astonishing.”
 
“Circus skills help to stamp out bullying” (19 November 2008)

This article describes how Clevedon Community School used circus skills as part of it’s initiative to reduce bullying in their school.
 
“The Effect of Small Space Physical Activity on School Performance” (March 2008)

This study found that the activities including circus skills improved concentration and overall behaviour at the school.
Quote: “I watched my students self-regulate themselves and become more aware of their own behaviours and how they felt. To me these are life skills and if we have managed to encourage the children to be more aware of themselves and their behaviours without losing academic benefits then why wouldn’t I implement these activities within their school day?”
 
“Juggling and other circus arts in an educational context: A Bibliography” by Wolfgang Schebeczek (21 May 2007)

This is a massive bibliography of lots of hard to find juggling references many of which are in German. It is included for completeness and to show just how much research has been done in this area.
 
“Juggling and anxiety in female patients” (1 May 2007)

Although not specific to schools the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of juggling therapy for anxiety disorder patients and it found that juggling can help reduce anxiety.
Quote: “These findings suggest that juggling therapy may be effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders.”
 
Teacher’s TV “Juggling With Success” (28 April 2006)

A 15 minute video on how implementing a juggling programme improved school life.
Quote: “Staff believe there’s been a marked improvement in concentration and achievement amongst all juggling pupils.”
 
“Balls, Sticks and Other Tricks: An Investigation into the Benefits of Teaching Juggling Apparatus in Schools” by Nic Seton (27 October 2005)

An essay on why circus skills should be included in the Physical Education syllabus.
Quote: “There is a broad range of benefits associated with the practice of these apparatus in curriculum, extending from the intellectual and physical development of students to the emotional and social aspects of physical education.”
 
“Lessons From Art Of Juggling” by Michael J. Gelb and Tony Buzan ISBN 1 85410 324 5 (16 August 1994)
This book co-writen by Tony Buzan (the creator of the Mind-Map technique) describes how the process of learning juggling can increase your confidence, help you relax and improve your ability to set goals.
 
“Why Circus Works” by Reg Bolton (August 2004)

This is Reg Bolton’s Phd Thesis. This is only a link to the abstract but if you’re interested you can email them for the full thesis.
Quote: “It is gratifying that an activity which is so strongly recognised as fun, should also present developmental, intellectual and physical challenges, encourage social behaviour more creative and co-operative than competitive, and which has as its end product, an act of donation – of generosity.”
 
“Juggling ‘can boost brain power’” (22 January 2004)

An BBC News article describing a study that showed learning to juggle can increase your grey matter.
Quote: “ Jugglers had more grey matter.”
 
“The Benefits of Learning to Juggle” by Dave Finnigan (10 December 2003)

An essay by Dave Finnigan that details the many benefits of juggling and how it can be implemented into the classroom.
Quote: “This attitude of confidence and acceptance of risk-taking gives students who are involved in a juggling program a decided edge over those who are not.”
 
“Juggling kids beat dyslexia” (31 January 2003)

A BBC News article describing how juggling has been used to help a group of West Midlands schoolchildren to get over the learning disorder.
Quote: “SATS results have improved and, on top of that, self-esteem.”
 
“Teachers link juggling to improved academic skills” (11 March 2002)

An article from “Education World” describing how a number of schools in the US have seen a positive affect on their students after introducing a circus skills programme.
Quote: “Several teachers and administrators recently told Education World that they’ve seen students’ schoolwork improve after the kids learned to juggle.”
 
“Circus as Education” by Reg Bolton (October 1999)

In this essay by social circus Pioneer Reg Bolton he strongly argues the case for circus skills being taught in Physical Education,
Quote: “We should consider Circus as the basis of a reformed curriculum for physical development.”