IWM London tells the story of conflict from 1914 to the present day. School groups can choose to take part in a variety of learning sessions aimed at KS2-4 led by one of our expert educators. Alternatively, groups can opt to explore the museum on a free self-guided visit.

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What We Offer Visiting Schools

Groups can opt to explore the museum on a free self-guided visit.

Both our bookable learning sessions and self-guided visits help students and groups to unfold people’s stories in various ways, through digital technologies, handling objects and conversations with veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict. Teachers can also tailor their sessions to themes or time in history.

This September, IWM is launching a new programme for Art & Design and History students in conjunction with the opening of the new Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries. Educators can choose from three distinct sessions, Art and Design, History-First World War and History-Second World War. Students will get the opportunity to delve into the fascinating interplay between art and conflict with our innovative programme using a specially designed app, led by an expert facilitator.

All school visits must be prebooked and school group access to the Holocaust Galleries is only permitted as part of our Holocaust Learning Programme.

For additional information and ways to book, please visit IWM London School Visits, Trips And Learning Sessions | IWM

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit

Imperial War Museums is the world’s leading museum of war and conflict. The museum was first founded during the First World War and is committed to giving voices to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people who lived or are living through conflicts.

Self-guided visit: Students will be greeted by one of our “Meet and Greet” volunteers upon their arrival at the West 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 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.

We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses from the Second World War to today, hear their personal stories, ask questions and connect through conversations.

Holocaust Learning Programme: Through self-guided and directed study, students will be given space to examine these questions by looking at personal stories and objects in The Holocaust Galleries. They will be encouraged to think about the role of individuals, groups, governments and much more. At the end of the session, students will come together in the Taube Family Holocaust Learning Centre to discuss what they have learned and to record a personal reflection about the Holocaust and its legacy.

Artists and War: The Whole Picture: IWM is launching a new programme for Art & Design and History students in conjunction with the opening of the new Blavatnik Art, Film and Photography Galleries. Educators can choose from three distinct sessions, Art and Design, History-First World War and History-Second World War. By engaging in observation, critical analysis, and interactive gameplay, participants will gain a contextual understanding of wartime experiences and the media and techniques artists have used to portray them. Students will get the opportunity to delve into the fascinating interplay between art and conflict with our innovative programme using a specially designed app, led by an expert facilitator.

Subjects and Topics Covered

History

Citizenship/PSHE

Religious Education

Media Studies

Art & design

English

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.

We have a number of Learning Resources available for free online:

here: Learning Resources | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

Trails and gallery guides for both KS2 and KS3 available for free here: School Visit Resources at IWM London | Imperial War Museums

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 London | 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

To book a learning session or a school visit please visit https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-london/schools. Booking Contact: LearningBookings@iwm.org.uk

Pricing Information

Our self-guided visits are free, for more information please visit: Self-Guided Visits | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

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

Accessibility and Facilities

• There are toilets and accessible restrooms across the museum.
• Lunchrooms for school groups are available for free upon request and slots are given on a first come first served basis.
• Bag room to store your belongings.
• Quite rooms (in the museum and in the learning centre)
• Shop (pre-booked goodie bags are available).

Step-free access to the museum is via the West Entrance. If you’re looking at the front of the museum, the West Entrance is located on the right-hand side of the building, just past the Café entrance.

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.

Further details for accessibility can be found here: Accessibility at IWM London | Imperial War Museums

Opening Hours

The museum opens Monday – Sunday 10am-6pm 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.