Skip to main content

Learn

A group pf school students in blue uniform stand in a sunny woodland raising their arms to answer a question.

SCHOOLS

Our education offer is designed and delivered by artists, makers and education experts.

We use play, making and imaginative learning to nurture and inspire the next generation.

Our learning programmes link to the curriculum and are designed to help schools and education providers deliver subjects in new and exciting ways, perfect for your school trip or away day.

Through our targeted programme we bring creativity to those in the community who are most in need. All our programmes can be adapted for students with special educational needs.

Before you book

How much might it cost?

We’re a popular site therefore, we ask that all schools book in advance with the learning team:

  • Accompanying Teachers/adults are free
  • Self-Led groups £7.50 per student (under 18’s)
  • Self-Led groups £8.00 per student (over 18’s)
  • Workshops £9.00 per student (minimum charge £170, under 18’s)
  • Workshops £10.00 per student (minimum charge £170, over 18’s)

This includes entry into all exhibitions and permanent collections. Please refer to the teacher’s pack for more information about each workshop.

How to book a school visit

All school visits, including self-guided visits, must be booked in advance. Please contact:  Email: learning@comptonverney.org.uk or phone: 01926 645552

When making a booking please let us know:

  • The name and address of the school
  • Contact details
  • The size of the group and ages of students
  • What programme you would like to do
  • A range of possible dates for your visit
  • Payment or invoice details
  • Please inform us of any students with special educational needs, disabilities, allergies and additional requirements when making your booking.
  • You will receive a provisional booking form when you have selected a date for your visit. An invoice will be sent when you confirm your visit.
Responsibilities
  • Programmes will be led by a member of the Learning Team, who will be responsible for the delivery of activities. We cannot lead workshops or tours without a teacher present.
  • Children 12 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The supervising adult must be over the age of 18.
  • School staff are responsible for the supervision and behaviour of students at all times. In the event of inappropriate behaviour from students or staff, where Compton Verney staff consider themselves, the public or the artworks to be at risk, we reserve the right to stop activities and, if necessary, ask the school to leave. The school will still be liable for payment in full for the day.
  • Schools are responsible for any school equipment brought to site; Compton Verney is not liable for any loss, damage or theft of any equipment belonging to the school.

Gallery Conduct

  • Students are welcome to bring dry sketching materials and sketch books to record their observations in the gallery.
  • Please do not touch the art work.
  • No flash photography.
  • Food or drink are not allowed in the galleries.
  • Large backpacks cannot be taken into the galleries, free lockers are provided in the cloakroom/learning room.

Safeguarding

Compton Verney has a Safeguarding policy which provides protection for all children and adults-at-risk using the site, and guidance for staff in the event they suspect there is a risk or actual experience of harm. In the event of an incident involving a school or college, Compton Verney’s Designated Safeguarding Officer will liaise with the Safeguarding lead from that organisation, at which point the Safeguarding policy of the school or college will take precedent

Terms and Conditions

Payment Policy

  • You will need to confirm your final numbers with us 14 days before your visit.
  • Payment is required no later than 14 days before your visit.
  • Any alterations to the number of students visiting should be made at least 14 days prior to your visit. We reserve the right not to refund alterations made within 14 days of the visit
  • Additional students on the day will be required to pay entry

Cancellations Policy

  • Cancellations made within 14 days of the date of your visit will incur the minimum charge
  • Please be aware that due to Compton Verney’s unique setting, we have a severe weather policy in place. In the event of severe weather or limited access to the site, we reserve the right to close the site at short notice, including on the day of scheduled opening, in order to ensure the safety of all visitors and staff. We will inform all designated persons as soon as this decision has been made and school visits will be rescheduled as soon as possible. Compton Verney cannot be held responsible for any cancellation costs incurred

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is there a maximum group size?

Individual programmes have different capacities, please see individual programme pages for further details. If you would like to bring larger groups please contact us to discuss how we can accommodate your visit.

Is Compton Verney accessible for disabled visitors?

The gallery, park, Forest School and learning centre are all accessible, please read our access information for details.

How many supervising adults will we need?

For primary aged students we suggest 1 adult for every 6 students.
For secondary students suggest for 1 adult for every 10 students.

Is there coach parking?

All coaches must drop-off and pick-up in designated area in the car park.
Coaches may not be able to park onsite, please ask your coach provider to call 01926 645500 for more details.

If anyone requires assistance from the car park to the gallery please let us know so transport can be arranged.

Where should we go when we arrive?

Please use the side gate (to the left of the Welcome Centre) to access the park on foot, then make your way up to the gallery entrance where you will be met by a member of the learning Team. The walk from the car park will take approximately 7- 10 minutes.

Will we need to bring anything for our visit?

Schools who have booked for gallery and exhibition programmes will need to bring art aprons for all students. Schools who have booked for programmes that include a clay workshop will also need to bring trays or boxes to carry their artworks back to the bus.

Schools who have booked for visits that take place at the Forest School site will need appropriate clothing including waterproofs, wellington boots or walking boots, long sleeved tops and trousers or leggings.

Is there a space to eat lunch?

For school workshops a lunch space is included in your booking. For self-led groups please let us know if you would like a lunch room for your group.

In good weather lunch will be eaten outside on the West Lawn and picnic blankets will be provided. In bad weather lunch will be eaten in the learning rooms. Due to capacity packed lunches cannot be eaten in the café.

Are there facilities to buy food and drink?

Compton Verney has a Café offering food and drink. Please be aware it can get very busy during peak lunch times and these facilities are not available on Mondays, when the gallery is closed to the public.

Can school groups visit the shop?

Schools are welcome to visit the shop where there is a range of reasonably priced children’s toys at the welcome centre shop. Visits to the shop will need to be made at lunch time or after the afternoon workshop. To include this in your visit please let us know in advance. We’re a cashless site and currently only accept card payments.

Opportunities for

young people

Compton Verney is invested in creating opportunities which nurture and inspire the next generation. We also welcome those who are re-training or looking to make a career change.

We welcome applications for work experience from people who are interested in developing their skills for working in the creative industries, particularly the museum, gallery, and environmental science professions. The number of placements offered throughout the year is dependent on the nature of the programme. We consider all applications on a case-by-case basis.

“It’s like no other school trip we’ve been on.”

Early Years Teacher 2022

“The best part was talking to the artist, as it was really insightful about where he gets his inspiration from.”

Year 7 Student 2022