Ever wondered if there’s another school group out there looking back at you?
Each year, we welcome thousands of school children from across the Universe to Jodrell Bank.
Our engaging schools programme provides curriculum-linked learning for each Key Stage from Early Years to A-Level.
School groups are welcome to book online. If you are a group with fewer than 15 students, please please contact us at jodrelleducation@manchester.ac.uk
We are currently taking bookings up to the 14th February 2025. If you are interested in visiting us after this date, please sign up to our mailing list at Education Mailing List
Scroll down to explore our packages…
EARLY YEARS
Explore the Solar System with a bear named Ted, in our Space Dome, and learn about the Moon and objects that reflect or make their own light on a story time session with our talented explainers.
KEY STAGE 1
Learn about the Sun and the Moon in our Space Dome, on a planetarium-style experience guided by our talented Explainer team. Continue your journey of discovery in our exhibitions, having an on-gallery talk with demonstrations presented by our Explainers.
KEY STAGE 2
Take a guided tour of the Solar System and discover constellations in a planetarium-style experience in our Space Dome with our Explainers. Continue your journey of discovery in our exhibitions, learning how the Lovell Telescope views the Universe, and having an on-gallery talk with demonstrations presented by our Explainers.
KEY STAGE 3
Kick off your trip with an immersive tour through the building blocks of the universe in We Are Stars, before exploring interactive spaces across the whole site. Then, return to Earth for a Telescope Talk to learn why the Lovell Telescope is here and what is does.
KEY STAGE 4
Kick off your trip with an immersive tour through the building blocks of the universe in We Are Stars, before exploring interactive spaces across the whole site. Then, return to Earth for a Telescope Talk to learn why the Lovell Telescope is here and what is does.
A LEVEL
Use real radio telescope data to calculate the mass of a galaxy in a “Radio Telescopes” workshop, delivered by our Explainer team. Explore our exhibitions, finding out about the building of the Lovell Telescope in the post-war years and the live science happening at the Observatory today. Option to add to the experience by booking on a Space Dome show.
Information for Teachers
School Visit FAQs
School visits take place from Tuesday to Friday, during term time. We have different days assigned to each key stage, from Early Years to A-Levels. Please check available dates for your key stage group on our website.
School visits start at 10am and finish at 2pm.
Jodrell Bank opens at 10am, please note, we cannot allow your group in before this time. Please wait on the coach or start gathering your group at the entrance until opening time.
Please dispose of enough travelling time to secure your arrival at 10am. If your journey is delayed, you should contact us at 01477-571-766, and provide an estimated time of arrival. We will make every effort to accommodate any late arrivals, however this cannot be guaranteed.
Please note, we do not offer refunds for any missed activities in whole or in part if you are late.
No – We do not offer a cloak room service. We will provide each group a trolley to store packed lunches. However, our trolleys are not big enough to hold a full set of backpacks.
No – School visits are self-guided. There will be activities during your visit that will be guided by our talented Engagement team, but the time exploring our exhibitions and grounds is self-led.
You will receive an itinerary 1-week prior to your visit. You are also welcome to download and print our exhibitions worksheets, which are a resource that help learners gain more from the exhibitions. Don’t forget to bring pencils or pens!
No – Annual tickets are only valid for general admission and cannot be used for school visits.
No – School bookings are for a day admission only, and do not include an annual ticket.
We recommend the following adult to student ratios:
Ages 3 to 7 – 1 adult for every 6 students.
Ages 7 to 11 – 1 Adult for every 7 students.
Ages 11 to 16 – 1 Adult for every 10 students.
Ages 16 to 18 – 1 Adult for every 15 students.
Please ensure any accompanying adults have the necessary experience and authority to supervise a group of children on a trip.