The London Archives is home to a wide range of documents, images, maps, films and books about London and is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to history and heritage through their Learning Programme. It is a free public archive focusing on the history of London, from 1067 to the present day. Each educational session supports the history curriculum at KS1 through to KS4 covering topics such as great fire of London, crime & punishment, World War 2, medicine through time, medieval life and who is a Londoner.

MONTHS OPEN
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

DAYS OPEN
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

AGE GROUPs
5 to 16 years


What does your archives centre offer on a school trip


On-site KS1-4 Educational Sessions that take place in our new learning space in Clerkenwell.
Students have the opportunity to see and handle a wide range of archival material, learn through a first-hand experience of primary sources and develop their analytical skills.
great fire of London
World War 2 London
medicine through time
medieval life London
London life
history of London
London archives
historic buildings London
crime and punishment London
What makes you a great choice for educational visits


The London Archives is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to history and heritage through our Learning Programme. For the past two decades we have been committed to working across a board range of audiences, programming talks and tours for adults as well as an awarding winning schools’ programme.
Awards, accreditations


The London Archives is a Sandford Award Holder
What is typically included on your school trips relating to Key Stage or Curriculum Topics


Following an exciting redevelopment of our learning programme, we are thrilled to introduce our new range of engaging and in-depth learning sessions for primary and secondary school students. Led by experienced history facilitators, our free two-hour sessions allow students to get inspired by London’s past!
For primary schools, each session supports the history curriculum at KS1 and KS2, showcasing our unique collection of historical documents and providing structured and well-paced activities designed to develop history enquiry skills, build confidence working with primary sources and support learning back in the classroom.
For secondary schools, each session supports the history curriculum at KS3 and KS4, showcasing our unique collection of historical documents and providing structured and well-paced activities designed to develop history enquiry skills, build confidence working with primary sources and support learning back in the classroom.
Group sizes


10 to 35 students
Materials and resources provided


Yes, all materials used during the sessions are provided. Additional resources can be downloaded from our website https://www.thelondonarchives.org/learning/learning-resources
Photography, filming & audio restrictions


Groups can take photos and videos while at the Public Rooms and the Learning Studio. We might also want to take photos of the group, and we will liaise beforehand, sending the photography consent form.
Risk assessment


We are happy to arrange for a pre-session risk assessment visit by teachers.
Education officer


Kathryn Collins , Kathryn.collins@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Pricing


All educational sessions are free. A cancellation fee of £50 is payable if a workshop booking is cancelled before 14 days of its scheduled date. If this happens, we will invoice you. Cancellations must be communicated in writing and acknowledged by The London Archives.
First Aid


There are qualified First Aiders and Mental Health Aiders available, as well as First Aid boxes. We also have portable defibrillators.
Available facilities


There are accessible toilets on the 1st floor. We do not have a dedicated lunch space, but groups can book the Learning Studio. Bookings for lunch must be communicated in writing and acknowledged by The London Archives.
Accessibility & disabled facilities


The London Archives is DDA compliant, but we do not have qualified SEN team members. Fully accessible toilets are available on the 1st floor.
Opening times


Monday: 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm
Tuesday: 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm
Wednesday: 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm
Thursday: 10am – 12pm or 1 – 3pm
Testimonials


“Thank you for organising such an engaging and well-organised WWII school trip. It was a fantastic experience for the students, and they were thoroughly engaged throughout. The trip provided valuable learning opportunities that directly connected to what the pupils have been studying in class. We truly appreciate all the effort that went into making it such a success.” Year 5 Teacher, Clifton Road Primary School
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