IWM North was specifically designed to enhance the stories within and give visitors a multisensory experience. We tell the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to present and make full use of our extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive visit.

+ MY LIST

What We Offer Visiting Schools

IWM North was specifically designed to enhance the stories within and give visitors a multisensory experience. We tell the powerful stories of over a century of war, from the First World War to present and make full use of our extraordinary exhibition space to deliver an award-winning immersive visit. The galleries include a variety of interactive displays as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions, including the ‘Poppies’ that were first featured at the Tower of London in 2014. Our museum offers a unique and people focused approach to learning about conflict, creating a welcoming and educational experience for all.

We are the only one of our Imperial War Museum sites to offer a ‘Big Picture Show’, which encompasses a 360-cinema experience projected around the Main Exhibition Space. Each show focuses on a different theme surrounding conflict, with the 11am show being designed especially for school age children. They happen on the hour every hour from 11am to 4pm and create a fully immersive experience for all visitors.

We offer a variety of bookable learning sessions such as Ministry of Memory, Documentary Challenge, Life in Nazi Germany and We Were There: Ask Questions About Conflict.

For more information about what’s on offer please visit: IWM North School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM

Or contact: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit

Explore displays on First and Second World War themes such as the Blitz, evacuation, life on the home front, rationing and trench warfare. Study of the interwar period, Cold War and modern conflicts can also be enriched by a visit. You can visit us for free through our self-guided trip option where you can make use of our online resources and gallery trail guides. Or you can book a learning session to supplement your visit. Choose what session is right for you as we have options for Upper Key Stage 2- Key Stage 4, covering a range of topics such as History, English, Religious Studies, Journalism, film making or Citizenship.

Self-guided visit: Students will be greeted by one of our “Meet and Greet” volunteers upon their arrival at the Group Entrance (subject to availability). Our volunteers will provide the essential information for the school’s visit and an insightful introduction to the museum. Alongside their booking, the school will be given a dedicated time slot to use the lunchroom (if previously booked) and baskets for students to store their belongings.

Documentary Challenge: This 45-minute digital-led session is delivered by one of our learning experts. In a group of three, the student will be given a clapper board and a mobile phone to create a documentary of their chosen object in the gallery. The recorded video will be accessible to the school after the session and stored securely in a private cloud database.

Ministry of Memory: This immersive and interactive experience investigates Remembrance and personal stories from the First World War to today. Designed for Key stage 2, agents of the Ministry of Memory enlist the help of students to save IWM North from the Memory Scramblers- a group of monsters who are out to erase the personal stories in the collection.

Guided by audio headsets and performance challenges, students are tasked with rediscovering Remembrance and uncovering past and present remembrance rituals.

We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses of a wide range of conflicts and hear their personal stories, ask questions and connect through conversations.

The Holocaust: Life in Nazi Germany 1919-1939: Students will deepen their understanding of how political, economic, and social changed in Germany affected the people who lived there. They will use artefacts and archive material to make links between individuals, groups, and events.

For more information about what’s on offer please visit: IWM North School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM

Or contact: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk

Subjects and Topics Covered

History

English

Media Studies

Citizenship/PSHE

Religious Education

Communication skills

Confidence building

Leadership

Problem solving

Team building

FWW

SWW

COLD WAR

MODERN CONFLICT

Accreditation and Awards

LoTC Quality Badge number: 101743, expires 28/10/2024.

Group Sizes Catered For

We can accommodate school groups of any size, although we will ask you to stagger your arrival times by groups of 60. Learning Sessions can accommodate groups of 30 at a time.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops

Our website offers a variety of online resources for KS2 – KS3, including gallery guides, interactive classroom resources and continuing professional development materials for teachers. All of these are free, and you can download them anytime. 

Learning Resources available for free online here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resources

Trails and gallery guides, for both KS2 and KS3 available for free here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/sessions/activity-trails-iwm-north

Or if a visit to the site in not possible at the moment, why not bring the museum to you through our free First World War and Second World War Loan Boxes:

First World War kit bags | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Second World War Loan Boxes | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Risk Assessment

Teachers are advised to carry out a preliminary visit in advance of their school trip in order to conduct their own risk assessment. Responsibility for pupils on school visits remains with the teachers at all times.

Everyday hazards such as slipping, tripping or falling on stairs, trapping fingers in doors and cuts and bruises are inherent in all environments. The following site-specific factors should be considered in relation to the individual needs of each group member.

Our full Risk Identification guide can be found here: Risk Identification IWM North | Imperial War Museums

Please also see our Schools Code of Conduct: Schools Code of Conduct | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises.

Our safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems we have in place: Safeguarding Policy 2018.pdf (iwm.org.uk)

Education Department Information

For more information about what’s on offer please visit: IWM North School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM

Or contact: Learningnorth@iwm.org.uk

Pricing Information

Self-guided visits are free, but booking is essential.

If you would like to book a paid for session for your group please visit our bookings page for up to date prices: Learning sessions at IWM North | Imperial War Museums

Accessibility and Facilities

• Toilets are located on the ground floor.
• Lunchrooms for school groups are available for free upon request and slots are given on a first come first served basis.
• Locker facilities are free for school groups.
• The IWM North Cafe is located on the ground floor and can be used for teacher refreshments during lunch times. We ask that you do not use the cafe as a lunch space for your group and use your provided lunch slot.
• Our shop offers a wide range of inspiring and unique gifts, from books, clothing and accessories to vintage posters, homeware, toys and souvenirs, all inspired by our collections and the stories they tell (pre-booked goodie bags are available).

We are committed to ensuring IWM North is accessible to all visitors, and hope the facilities we have introduced enhance your visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north/access

We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for loan, free of charge. If you think you may need one during your visit, please let our booking team know.

Opening Hours

The museum opens Monday – Sunday 10am-5pm every day, with the exception of 24-26 December. Learning sessions and Meet & Greet can be offered Monday to Friday during term time, subject to availability.