Imperial War Museum Duxford

What makes us a great choice for education

Imperial War Museum Duxford is not just a museum but a working airfield and historic site, offering a unique insight into conflict and over a century of aviation.  From the early days of flight, through to the dramatic days of the Second World War and the technological advances of the Cold War, IWM Duxford has played a central role in some of the most significant periods of 20th century history. 

Explore the formed RAF fighter station that was used during both the First and Second World Wars. IWM Duxford is home to an impressive collection of over two hundred aircraft as well as tanks, military vehicles, and maritime craft. You can climb aboard historic aircraft, see conservation in action and walk through the very hangars where history happened, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for your students or group.

Some of IWM Duxford exhibitions are changing. In order to undertake this important work, we are beginning to relocate some objects and collection items, you may even get a chance to see this work in action! To find out what is open during your visit, check out our exhibitions page: IWM Duxford - Our Exhibitions And Displays - See What's Here | IWM

Accreditation and Awards

Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom Badge (Quality Badge Certificate Number: 102015)

What is typically included on our school trips

Our team can tailor a visit to your needs. School groups can choose to take part in one of our Learning Sessions, aimed at KS2-4 and led by one of our expert educators. 

Documentary Challenge: This 45-minute digital-led session is delivered by one of our learning experts. In a group of three, the student will be given a clapper board and a mobile phone to create a documentary of their chosen object in the hangars. The recorded video will be accessible to the school after the session and stored securely in a private cloud database.

We Were There: This is a unique chance for students to meet veterans and eyewitnesses from the Second World War to today, hear their personal stories, ask questions, and connect through conversations.

Alternatively, groups can choose to explore the museum on a free self-guided visit, please visit our tickets page for more details: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/schools/plan-a-visit

Group Sizes Catered For

We can accommodate groups of any size although we might ask you to stagger your arrivals and lunch times depending on the size of your group. Our Learning Sessions can accommodate groups of 30 per session. 

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

We have a number of free school visit resources ready to print and download for you trip, including Hangar Trails designed for KS2 and KS3 available online: https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/sessions/school-visit-resources-iwm-duxford 

We also offer classroom resources for when you are back at school:

https://www.iwm.org.uk/learning/resour

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

You are welcome to take photos and video for personal, non-commercial use. Please avoid taking photos or filming people without permission. Please observe signage indicating where photography and filming is not permitted.

Risk Assessment Details

We encourage teachers to conduct pre-visit planning. To request two free group leader pre-visit tickets email: Dux-Edu@iwm.org.uk 

Please see IWM Identified Risk to help you with your own risk assessment: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/groups/schools/risk-identification

Education Officer Information

To enquire about booking a school visit, please contact: Dux-Edu@iwm.org.uk or call 0207 416 5000.

Pricing Information

Admission to IWM Duxford is free for pre-booked school groups with children aged 5-15 years old. Students and children must be supervised at all times with one adult for every 10 children (admission for supervising adults is free). Additional adult tickets are currently £23.70 but for a full and up to date price list please visit our website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/schools/plan-a-visit

Clothing Requirements

We have no specific clothing requirements, although we would recommend usual school attire and to travel light as large bags are not permitted in the galleries. Double check the weather forecast and please dress accordingly as you will need to go outside to access the other hangars and various outbuildings.

First Aid Information

IWM Duxford has members of staff trained and a fire department on site to provide basic first aid treatment, although first aid provision is ultimately the responsibility of the teacher leading the group.

Available Facilities

We have a packed lunchroom (with bag and coat storage), where you will be assigned a lunch slot. When the weather permits, schools often enjoy eating their lunch outdoors, there are picnic tables positioned across the site. There is also a café serving hot drinks and food throughout the day.

Our museum shop provides a wide range of books, CDs, DVDs, clothing and accessories, posters and stationery, souvenirs, and gift ideas. For our younger visitors we have an exciting range of games, toys and souvenirs as well as a selection of children's books. There are also educational resource materials and children's activity books on sale.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

We are committed to ensuring IWM Duxford is accessible to all visitors and hope the facilities we have introduced enhance your visit. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/access

Opening Hours & Information

Open every day except 24-26 December. 

10am-4pm, last entry 3pm.

Testimonials

“The session helped the pupils to think analytically and not just about history but about diversity, British values and life learning. They are now more aware of what is going on in the world and their place in it.” – Key Stage 2 Teacher, We Were There session.

‘An incredible way for students to learn. The opportunity to explore, be creative, make choices, voice their thoughts and do so with the rigidness of having to know an examiners mark scheme. Teachers crave being able to support students in learning this way. A wonderful experience!’ – Key Stage 3 Teacher, Documentary Challenge session.

‘The volunteers that worked with our classes were fantastic - really knowledgeable, kept the children engaged and moved the day along at a good pace.’ Key Stage 3 Teacher. 

Other Information

Take a look at our pre visit page to further enhance your visit: Schools Pre-visit Information IWM Duxford | Imperial War Museums

Please take a look at our bookings terms and conditions before you visit: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/groups/booking

Please also see our Schools Code of Conduct: Schools Code of Conduct | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)

IWM wishes to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are safe and protected from harm whilst visiting its premises.

Our safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures outline the safeguarding systems we have in place: Safeguarding Policy 2018.pdf (iwm.org.uk)