Work experience

Work experience with Education and Outreach

What we offer:

The National Archives looks after over 11 million original documents from the last 1,000 years. The Domesday Book, Magna Carta and Henry VIII’s will are just some of the treasures we have in our repositories. We offer students from Years 10 – 13 the unique opportunity to work with us in the Education and Outreach Department here in Kew. This part of the Archives is responsible for providing workshops and events to students and groups across the country. Come and see how we put together our incredible Education and Outreach Programme using our amazing collection of documents!

What will you do?

It will be a varied week but you can expect to get involved with some or all of the following:

  • Observe and support the work of the Education Department whilst we deliver to school groups onsite and online.
  • Assist our Family Programme with preparation and lend support at their events.
  • Get involved with research tasks to help develop future workshops, events and activities in the Department.
  • Work with our web team to feedback on our website and online resources.
  • See how the Archives function from behind scenes: we will show you round the reading rooms and teaching spaces which give you a good idea of how things work in this unique space.
  • Ad hoc tasks: structured hands-on activities that help you to develop skills you would need to work in an education department at a cultural institution.
  • And of course – see original documents!

What will we do?

  • We will provide you with a daily schedule of activities so you know what to expect each day.
  • We will offer you a lead contact throughout the week and different members of the department will support you day to day whilst you carry out your tasks.
  • Offer feedback at the end of the placement on what you’ve achieved and ways to further develop your skills.

Details and how to apply:

Our placements run from approximately 9.30am – 3.30pm, Tuesday to Friday, during the final couple of weeks of each summer term.  Places are limited so feel free to try again the following year if you aren’t successful the first time.

Please apply using our online application form when it is posted online here in September and we will let you know by the following January if you have been successful in your application with us.

If you have any questions at all please contact Elspeth on Elspeth.mcgregor@nationalarchives.gov.uk.