The National Archives Education Service’s bursary scheme encourages even more students to take part in exciting onsite workshops. Learners of all ages get the unique chance to get ‘hands-on’ with history, exploring original historical documents in a facilitated session at The National Archives in Kew. From iconic records such as Elizabeth I’s signature to the Empire Windrush passenger list, students can experience the excitement of seeing a real piece of history. With expert guidance from our history educators, they will investigate the past, developing their skills in evidential understanding.
Support with travel/ teacher cover
Eligible UK schools who are successful in applying to our bursary scheme will be given up to £1000 to go towards the cost of their educational visit. This can include travel or other costs such as teacher cover. The workshops themselves are all free of charge.
To apply, your school will need to be a state-school and meet at least two out of three of the below criteria:
- Schools with a higher-than-average percentage of students eligible for free school meals*.
- Schools based outside of the borough of Richmond.
- Schools that have not previously used The National Archives education service.
[Please apply using the link to the Application Form which will appear here on Wednesday 9th September]
Key Dates for Bursary Funded Visits
Next round: Spring Term 2027
- Applications open: 3pm, Wednesday 9th September
- Applications close: 5pm, Wednesday 30th September
- Applicants meeting the criteria picked by ballot
- Successful applicants notified by 5pm, Friday 2nd October
Our Application Form will ask schools to provide a rough breakdown of anticipated costs to ensure funding is allocated appropriately.
Note that there will be bursaries for future terms available, with this page updated as and when they become available.
If you have any questions regarding the bursary, please contact elspeth.mcgregor@nationalarchives.gov.uk
If you have successfully applied for and received a bursary from The National Archives, you will be eligible to re-apply to the programme eighteen months after the date of your funded visit.
* This is based on being above the national average as shared by the UK government.
The National Archives Education Bursary Scheme is supported by The National Archives Trust and made possible through the generosity of Francesca Barnes; the Bisset Trust; John Colenutt; Howard and Prudence Davies; Guy Dawson; the Dowley Charitable Trust; Epsom College History Department; Galleon Foundation; Nigel Grimshaw; the Headley Trust; Rosalind Hedley-Miller; Dr P. Kay and Ms A. Jackson Kay; Julia and Jamie Korner; the Lee and Bakirgian Family Trust; Simon Lough; Christopher and Clare McCann; Edward Nicholson; Anne Sebba; David Shaw; the Maurice & Vivien Thompson Charitable Trust; Kit and Anthony van Tulleken.