The Postal MuseumVisit usSchoolsPlan your school visit

Plan your school visit

We deliver first class learning experiences that connect postal communication stories across the curriculum. Journey underground on Mail Rail, a unique ride through London’s hidden industrial heritage.

  • Teacher feedback:

    As a teacher I would say that this trip was the most organised that I have ever had! The staff were simply amazing. Honestly, I was blown away by how well supported we were as a school and I felt more relaxed than I ever have when leading a trip.

  • I would not hesitate to book another trip at The Postal Museum and would recommend it to my colleagues. Having such clear itineraries was such a help, as it meant everyone was aware of what was going to happen next.

    The provision for SEND children was also above and beyond anything I have seen before. Being offered a sensory bag and having a sensory area for the students who could not access the interactive session was beyond expectations.

Facilitated visits

Facilitated visits for primary schools include your choice of interactive session, Mail Rail ride, Exhibition Galleries, lunch slot and the option to book Sorted! The Postal Play Space.

Book a facilitated visit

Self-led visits

Self-led visits include your choice of activities and the option to book a lunch slot. Visits will enrich learning for all key stages.

Book a self-led visit

FAQs for school visits

Pre-booking is essential for school visits.

School visits are bookable in term-time only. You can request a youth group visit in the school holidays or weekends via our groups booking page.

To request a visit, select your visit type and fill in the booking request form. Our Bookings Support team will be in touch within one week to discuss your booking request.

We strongly recommend that you make a planning visit to risk assess potential hazards in the museum and on your journey.

Schools with a confirmed visit date can request a planning visit for two staff members per class. Your booking confirmation email will tell you how to arrange a planning visit.

Our Risk assessment guidance contains the information you need to prepare for your visit.

We aim to provide a welcoming accessible experience for schools. Read about accessibility at the museum.

You can use our schools visual story (PDF) to prepare your class for their visit.

Schools can request to borrow sensory bags and ear defenders. Our interactive sessions are developed to be inclusive. Facilitators use Makaton and each session has a Sensory Station breakout space to support students with different learning needs.

Mail Rail is a 20 minute immersive underground ride with sights, sounds and lights that some students may find overwhelming. Schools should consider this at the point of booking. Teachers and adult helpers must ride the train to provide adequate supervision.

To ride the train, students and adults must be able to transfer themselves in and out of the train unaided. Wheelchairs and walking aids cannot be accommodated on the ride. Read more about Mail Rail access.

Your class will be allocated a time to ride Mail Rail and visit the Mail Rail exhibition. Larger classes will be split into groups and will ride two trains, smaller classes may fit on one train. This will be confirmed on the day of your visit.

 

Sorted! The Postal Play Space is for children aged 0-8. The play space is suitable for students up to Year 3. Classes will be allocated a 45-minute time slot for Sorted! and will have sole use of the play space.

SEND students may need to be supported by an adult on a one-to-one basis and some areas (e.g. the Sorting Office upper level) may not be accessible by children with disabilities.

Allow plenty of time for your journey. Find out more about getting here.

Schools in London boroughs can apply for free travel on public transport. Visit Transport For London’s Travel for Schools to request your tickets.

 

 

The Postal Museum and Mail Rail are in different buildings. There are two entrances, and the arrival point will be on your itinerary.

Self-led visits are teacher-led. It is your responsibility to guide your class around the museum and arrive at activities on time. Facilitated visits will be assigned a Schools Support (staff or volunteer) to guide your class throughout your visit.

Schools will be sent an itinerary with set times for activities in your booking confirmation email. Unfortunately, we are unable to change allocated times as we have other schools onsite.

If you are running late call the phone number on your itinerary as soon as possible. A late start to your booked activities may not be possible.

Teachers and adult helpers are responsible for the health and safety of their class and should supervise students at all times.

To support your class to move safely around our site and provide adequate supervision on the Mail Rail ride and in Sorted! it is essential to meet our minimum ratios.

  • EYFS Nursery 1:3
  • EYFS Reception 1:4
  • KS1 1:4
  • KS2 1:6
  • KS3 1:10
  • KS4+ 1:15

Schools will be allocated a 30-minute lunch slot in our lunch room or Mail Rail depot lunch area. No food and drink is allowed in the exhibition galleries.

We welcome photography, but no flash, tripods or selfie-sticks. We also kindly ask you not to film our staff.

Payment in full is due in advance within 30 days from the date of your booking confirmation email. Schools can book at shorter notice depending on availability. In this case, payment is expected before the visit date and may be requested immediately.

Schools will receive an invoice by email. Payment is by BACS transfer or cheque. If timely payment is not made bookings may be cancelled.

Our schools terms and conditions contain information about our cancellation policy.