British Schools Museum

Museum Overview

The British Schools Museum is located in the centre of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. It is an educational museum that is based in original Edwardian and Victorian school buildings.

The Grade II listed building was first in use from 1837 but the school was first founded in 1810, which was a full 80 years before the government finally provided free elementary education for all. It is a very hands-on museum for both children and adults.

There are four authentic school classrooms that make up the museum experience. This includes the only Monitorial Classroom that survives in the world today. It is a huge hall that was built to hold 300 boys who were taught by a single Master with the aid of 30 monitors, or older students. It is an eye-opening experience to see the row upon row of long benches.

Visitors are encouraged to sit at the student’s desks in the second classroom and try out the inkwells with real ink. They run regular Victorian-style teaching events in this room. You can also look around the other two classrooms which were built at a later date. Between the four of them, they provide a fascinating example of how education has changed over time. There is also a Head Masters house that you can explore and the museum is home to two important educational collections. They also run regular events for families.

Further Information British Schools Museum

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe serving food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

Historic school with four different types of classrooms to see plus a headmaster’s house, family-friendly activities and exhibitions. There are toilets and a cafe.