SCHOOLS AT STORIES – BROUGHT TO LIFE
Take your students on a transformative immersive journey, step inside portraits and experience them coming to life through an engaging, multisensory experience inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection.
This captivating immersive journey explores iconic portraits, and the history, lives and legacies of the people in them through stunning visuals and compelling narratives.
Education groups can pick from facilitated tours, self-led tours or relaxed sessions which are suitable for a whole spectrum of learners right through from KS2 to university. Guidance: please be aware that the Experience includes brief representations of violence and substance abuse. Teachers can book a free pre-visit if they have any concerns.
We can provide teaching resources to support your visit as well as a range of dedicated online resources exploring original artworks.
Pick from one of our educational tour options below.
PRIVATE VIEWS FOR SCHOOLS
These sessions are facilitated by our Learning team, providing a more enhanced experience. Facilitated sessions will last approximately 75mins.
- Exclusive access to Stories – Brought to Life for education groups during non-public hours.
- Most appropriate for learners from KS2 to Post 16.
- Sessions supported by dedicated Learning and Access team.
- We offer a subsidised rate for education groups with 1 free ticket for every 10 booked.
- Education groups can book a space to eat packed lunches (subject to availability).
- Choose from a morning or afternoon time slot.
Sessions will be running on the following dates:
• Thursday 22nd May 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Tuesday 3rd June 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Monday 7th July 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Tuesday 8th July 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
These sessions are facilitated by our Learning team, providing a more enhanced experience.
• Exclusive access to Stories – Brought to Life for education groups during non-public hours.
• Appropriate for the whole spectrum of learners, from Foundation Stage to Post 16.
• Sessions supported by dedicated Learning and Access team.
• We offer a subsidised rate for education groups with 1 free ticket for every 10 booked.
• Education groups can book a space to eat packed lunches (subject to availability).
• Choose from a morning or afternoon time slot.
Sessions will be running on the following dates:
• Thursday 22nd May 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Tuesday 3rd June 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Tuesday 8th July 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
• Wednesday 9th July 2025 between 10.00 – 14.30
SELF-LED VISITS
Wander through the gallery at your leisure and allow your students to immerse themselves in the artworks. Expect to spend around 55mins in the experience.
- Heavily discounted tickets for education groups.
- Available between 11.00am – 12.30pm weekdays, term time only.
- Maximum group size of 40 including a minimum of 1 member of staff per 10 students.
- Most suitable from KS2 to Post 16.
- Tailored teaching resources provided.
- Those wishing to make larger group bookings will need to book across several dates or book onto one of our facilitated sessions for schools (see below).
Wander through the gallery at your leisure and allow your students to immerse themselves in the artworks.
• Heavily discounted tickets for education groups
• Suitable for all ages
• Available between 11.00am – 12.30pm weekdays, term time only
• Tailored teaching resources provided
• For groups of up to 40 students, including minimum of 1 member of staff per 10 students
• Those wishing to make larger group bookings will need to book across several dates or book onto one of our facilitated tours for schools (see below)
RELAXED SESSIONS
Our Relaxed sessions are tailored specifically for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
During these sessions, we limit capacity to create a calmer environment, offer additional space for wheelchair users, and adjust the gallery experience by dimming bright lights and lowering background music and audio. We can be more flexible with how much time groups spend in the gallery. Education groups can also book a space to eat packed lunches (subject to availability).
We also provide a range of accessible resources, including sensory lighting, bean bags and comfortable seating, ear defenders, fidget toys, Makaton cards, and easy-read and visual guides. Sessions are fully supported by our Learning and Access Team, and we encourage students to engage with the artwork in their own way, fostering an atmosphere where they can freely express themselves.
Our commitment is to continually improve and provide the best possible support for visitors requiring assistance. For detailed information on accessibility at NPG Unframed, or to inquire how we can meet the needs of your students please visit our accessibility page.
Sessions will run on Monday 2nd June 2025 10.00-14.00
If you would like more information about our Schools Programme or need to arrange a visit outside the scheduled dates, please contact us directly.
FAQS
WHO IS THE LEARNING PROGRAMME INTENDED FOR?
The learning programme is open to all schools and education groups which includes nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, SEND settings, Post 16 settings, universities and alternative education settings.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL AGE GROUP FOR ME TO BRING?
We believe that this experience is suitable for a wide range of learners, and it is particularly suited to learners from KS2 to Post 16.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
You should plan to arrive no more than 10 minutes prior to your booking time. You will be welcomed by a member of our team at the ground floor entrance.
CAN MY STUDENTS TAKE PHOTOS?
Yes, you and your students are encouraged to take photographs and footage of the experience. We ask that you refrain from using a flash and please note the use of selfie sticks is not permitted.
ARE THERE ANY SCHOOL RESOURCES?
Yes, our downloadable teaching resources help your students reflect on their experience, engage in meaningful discussion, and develop their critical thinking skills. These will be available to download on our Schools Programme page.
IS THERE ANYWHERE FOR US TO EAT/DRINK? CAN WE BRING OUR OWN FOOD/DRINK AT PRESENT?
If attending one of our Private Views for schools or a Relaxed school session it will, be possible to pre-book a space to eat packed lunches, if booked in advance.
Schools visiting for self-led tours cannot eat packed lunches on site.
Please be aware that food and drink are not allowed in the gallery, unless for medical reasons
CAN STUDENTS BRING BAGS/COATS? DO THEY CARRY THEM WITH THEM OR IS THERE SOMEWHERE TO STORE THEM?
There is no dedicated cloak room but pupils will be seated for the majority of the experience.
WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR SCHOOL IS RUNNING LATE FOR ITS TIME SLOT?
IS THERE SOMEBODY TO TAKE US AROUND ON A TOUR OR CAN WE BOOK A TOUR GUIDE?
Private View school tours will be led by the Learning Team who will meet you when you arrive and support your engagement within the experience. Self-led tours will be self-directed, but school group will be briefed by a member of our Front of House team beforehand.
WHO ELSE WILL BE IN THE GALLERIES WITH US?
During your visit you will share the galleries with other schools and educational groups. Self-Led tours will also share the gallery with members of the public.
WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE OF OUR STUDENTS BECOMES SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE GROUP?
If this was to happen, all FOH staff and Duty Managers have been briefed that two members of staff will accompany the individual at all times. They will wait with the pupil in the location they were found for a further 5 minutes, before taking them to the entrance, which is the designated meeting point, to be reunited.
