Schools and Colleges

Schools and Colleges at Manchester Museum

Joy and learning are at the heart of the museum and our exhibitions and displays bring people together to ask big questions and spark imagination. Our programmes connect with people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities in Manchester and beyond.

All of our resources are created with SEND in mind. For example, anything with text is editable so that educators can edit font, size, colour or content to suit their group.

Things to know before you visit

Getting here   

There is a drop-off point for coaches outside the museum on Oxford Road. Minibuses can park at Cecil Street car park. The museum is also on a major bus route and a short walk from rail and tram stops. Plan your visit here.

There is limited disabled parking available for school group transport. Please contact school.bookings@manchester.ac.uk to discuss this or include this information in your booking or enquiry.

Space for everyone   

• All of our programming has been made with SEND in mind.
• We are working on video tours and additional information to support students with SEND and help them prepare for a visit to the museum.
• Our lifts offer step-free access to all museum spaces.

Please let us know of any access requirements when you book your visit. More information on accessibility can be found here.

Risk assessments and group visits  

• Our Museum Hazard ID document and General Site Risk Assessment are available to support you to produce your own risk assessment for your visit. For our Primary Workshops, please also refer to our Workshop Risk Assessment. You are welcome to arrange booking a site visit ahead of your school visit to carry out your risk assessment and we are happy to arrange for you to meet a member of the team. Please email school.bookings@manchester.ac.uk to arrange this.
• Teachers (or other accompanying adults) remain responsible for the general health and safety of children during their visit. Teachers (or other adults) should remain with their primary and secondary school groups at all times.
• The minimum adult to pupil ratios that we recommend for schools visits is: 1:6 for Early Years & KS1; 1:8 for KS2, 1:15 for KS3, KS4 & Post-16. Note this excludes adults providing 1:1 support.

Facilities  

• View the museum map here and the map for schools (including the Zones referred to on your timetable).
• There is a picnic area on the ground floor next to the Main Hall. Space will be allocated for school groups through the booking process.
• The Museum Shop is full of souvenirs inspired by our collections and prices start from 50p. You can pre-book goodie bags starting from £3 per child after you have made your booking.
• There is a water fountain in the Welcome Area.
• We are able to arrange for storage of coats, bags and lunches for school groups through the booking process.
• We have lots of toilets throughout the museum including a fully accessible Changing Places toilet and all-gender toilets.