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Our Learning and Schools Programme aims to inspire a life-long interest in arts, culture and heritage. We develop partnerships with museums, cultural institutions, schools and colleges across the UK to develop children’s sense of entitlement to arts, culture and heritage through immersive, creative programmes in which they can be active participants.  
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Many of our programmes involve co-design and co-development with children and young people, and we offer support to teachers through professional development opportunities and resources.
“Many of my class had never been to any museum before. Watching them engage with real objects and connect them to the app was genuinely moving. They were proud of themselves.”
Teacher, Time Odyssey visit, 2025
Current programme

Time Odyssey

Time Odyssey is a national programme for schools in museums across the UK. Our mission is to challenge cultural inequity and increase access to our national museums. The experience is free for schools, and financial assistance for transport is provided to all schools ensuring no child is left behind. Time Odyssey turns the conventional school trip into an accessible and fun learning adventure, fostering children’s sense of belonging and connection with culture and heritage. 
Time Odyssey takes children on a learning adventure through museums across the UK. The programme is delivered in partnership with Yorkshire Museum, York; Great North Museum, Newcastle; Danum Museum and Library, Doncaster; Manchester Museum; Liverpool Museums; and RAMM, Exeter. We are always looking for more partners!

If you are a school or museum and would like to take part, please visit the dedicated Time Odyssey website for further information.The programme enables pupils aged 7–11 to participate in museum-based educational activities using a gamified learning approach which combines use of a digital tablet with in-person engagement with museum collections.
Visit the Time Odyssey website

12,735

students went on a Time Odyssey in 2025

428

classes visited their local museum in 2025

59%

of schools had above 40% Free School Meal (FSM)

114

one school travelled as far as 114 miles to reach their museum
“First time experience for many children seeing historical artefacts firsthand — first experiences are vital.”
Teacher in Yorkshire, Time Odyssey visit, 2025
Current programme

Beyond the Battle

“Beyond the Battle” is a national competition for primary school students which sets them the challenge of completing the missing panel of the Bayeux tapestry, through the creation of their own original textile artwork. However, instead of portraying themes of conflict and conquest, they will re-imagine a different future, responding creatively to themes of hope, community and kindness.

The project is timed to coincide with the Bayeux tapestry exhibition at the British Museum (September 2026 – July 2027), the first time it has been on display in Britain.
Beyond the Battle is delivered in partnership with English Heritage, with learning materials and textile prizes designed by textile artist and educator Jessica Grady.
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Participating schools will receive a teaching resource with ideas, lesson plans and top tips, supporting them to explore the tapestry and to use a range of textiles techniques to communicate their vision. Winning classes will receive a free, once in a lifetime visit to see the tapestry in the UK, with runners up receiving a trip to their local Norman site.
Find out more on our What’s on page
Current programme

Art Explora Performing Arts Programme at V&A East

The Art Explora Performing Arts Programme at V&A East, in partnership with Studio Wayne McGregor, engages 16–18-year-olds from further education colleges in East London in a new co-creative dance process responding to objects in the V&A collection. Young participants work directly with Studio Wayne McGregor to develop a new performance in response to Picasso’s iconic 1924 painted stage cloth Le Train Bleu previously on display at V&A East Storehouse.
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The programme’s mission is to support local young people’s creativity and confidence, build connections with local cultural organisations, and increase knowledge about creative career opportunities.
“Learning and engagement projects have been central to Studio Wayne McGregor’s philosophy since Sir Wayne McGregor’s work as a dance animateur in East London at the very beginning of his career. We are deeply committed to engaging with the community and championing the next generation of young artists, and we are excited to see how they use this opportunity to hone and develop their individual voices through dance.”
Odette Hughes
Associate Director, Studio Wayne McGregor