National Museum of Scotland self-led visit
About National Museum of Scotland self-led visit
A visit to the museum can be a unique, exciting experience for your pupils and can be used to explore a wide range of topics.
Booking a self-led visit provides you with:
- Access to a range of online resources you can use beforehand, or print and bring with you to use during the day
- The day is yours to plan, and we’ve provided some top tips in our visit National Museum of Scotland page to help you plan.
- Use of a cloakroom/lunchroom (subject to availability). Please note that access to the cloakroom and lunchroom space is prioritised for groups who have booked a workshop or tour with our learning team.
For session 2024/25 our programme includes a new gallery tour offering pupils a unique opportunity to explore our collections: Museum Explorer.
Before you visit
Plan your visit in class using our visual story PowerPoints, or using Google Streetview. We have maps to help you plan your visit, including a Sensory Map.
Don't miss
The Millennium Clock, just off the Grand Gallery, has music and a moving figures display just after the hour – don’t miss seeing it as part of your visit.
Resources
A range of different resources are available to use with your pupils to give focus to your day, on topics such as ancient Egypt, Art and Design, Romans, Careers and Dinosaurs.
Pupil support
We have a range of initiatives to support and welcome pupils with additional support needs to the National Museum of Scotland.
See full accessibility information for the National Museum of Scotland.
Travel subsidies
National Museums Scotland does not currently offer travel subsidies. Children and young people aged between 5 and 21 years living in Scotland are eligible for free bus travel.
Find out more about free bus travel for young people.
Risk assessment
Teachers are encouraged to make a free pre-visit to carry out their own risk assessment. Download our safety guidelines to help you compile one.
Behaviour guidelines
We have developed an agreement which sets out what we aim to offer during your visit, and in return what we ask from you. We ask that pupils visiting in school groups are accompanied at all times during their visit at a ratio of:
- 1 adult: 5 pupils (under the age of 5)
- 1 adult: 10 pupils (primary school pupils)
- 1 adult: 15 pupils (secondary school pupils)
Where pupils require support on a 1:1 ratio, this adult should be included over and above these ratios.
I would definitely recommend bringing your class to the museum as there is so much for them to see, do and explore. You will be able to fit it around any topic you are currently teaching.
P5 teacher, Edinburgh
- Meta skills framework
Self-management: Focusing, Adapting
Social intelligence: Communicating, Feeling
Innovation: Curiosity, Sense-making, Critical thinking
Request a visit
Booking Terms and Conditions
Payment process
- Scottish State schools should raise a Purchase Order through their Local Authority procurement system for the cost of charged sessions. Purchase Order numbers should be notified to schools@nms.ac.uk at least 7 days in advance of the visit.
- Independent Schools will be invoiced after the visit. Payment terms are 15 days from date of invoice.
Cancellation Policy
- National Museums Scotland reserve the right to charge a fee for short notice cancellations or no-shows.
- Bookings cancelled less than 3 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 50% of the value of chargeable events.
- Bookings cancelled less than 2 weeks prior to the visit will incur an administration fee of 100% of the value of chargeable events.
- A charge of 100% of the value of booked sessions will apply to no-show or last-minute cancellations.
- In certain circumstances National Museums Scotland may waive the administration fee.
- Cancellations should be notified in writing to schools@nms.ac.uk.
Free access for SIMD 1&2 schools
National Museums Scotland (NMS) Free Workshop Policy: Terms and Conditions
Eligibility and Access Policy for Free Workshops
As part of our commitment to inclusive education and community engagement, National Museums Scotland (NMS) is pleased to offer 20% of our educational workshops free of charge to schools located in areas designated as SIMD 1 and 2, based on the Scottish Government's Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The following terms and conditions apply:
Eligibility Criteria
- SIMD Designation: Schools must be located in areas classified as SIMD 1 or SIMD 2 to qualify for free workshops.
- Verification: Eligibility will be verified using the latest SIMD data provided by the Scottish Government. Schools may be required to provide documentation or additional information to confirm their eligibility.
Workshop Availability
- Limited Slots: Free workshops are subject to availability, with 20% of our total workshop offerings reserved for eligible schools.
- Exclusions: Please note that this offer only applies to workshops delivered by National Museums Scotland staff and excludes special events, study days and special exhibition visits.
- Advance Booking: Schools are encouraged to book early to secure a place, as free workshop slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Waiting List: In the event that all free workshop slots are filled, eligible schools can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified if a slot becomes available.
Terms of Participation
- No Transport Cost Support: NMS does not provide financial support for transport costs. Schools are responsible for arranging and funding their own transportation to and from the museum.
- Cancellations: Schools must notify NMS at least two weeks in advance if they need to cancel a booking. Repeated cancellations without adequate notice may affect future eligibility for free workshops.
- Feedback: Participating schools may be asked to provide feedback on the workshops to help us improve our educational offerings. Participation in feedback activities is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Class cap: Workshop offer is limited to 4 classes from a school for each school session.
Application Process
- Application Form: Interested schools must complete the appropriate section in the booking request form.
- Supporting Documents: Schools may need to submit supporting documents to verify their eligibility based on SIMD status.
- Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with details of their workshop booking.
We are dedicated to making our educational resources accessible to all and look forward to welcoming eligible schools to National Museums Scotland.
By participating in our workshops, schools agree to adhere to the above terms and conditions. NMS reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time.
July 2024
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