Due to an exciting site regeneration project, our schools programme will be moving to the National Maritime Museum, where our astronomers have been working to develop a new and exciting programme, as well as an expanded digital outreach programme with new workshops.
Beginning with Early Years, Key Stage 1 and our digital programme, we will be opening for bookings for the Spring 2026 Term on Monday 10 November.
Details regarding other key stages for an on-site visit will be available later in 2026.
If you are interested in visiting the Royal Observatory for self-guided visit only, you can enquire about this via our Enquiry Form
To keep up to date on announcements and news, sign up to our Schools Newsletter.
At the Royal Observatory Greenwich we want to inspire and assist in the learning of all things space and astronomy!
On this page, you will find information about our schools programme, our free classroom activities and digital resources, along with opportunities for teachers and students to get more involved with our programmes.
If you're interested in maritime, history, and art school sessions, you can check out the other learning programmes at other Royal Museums Greenwich sites here.
Coming January 2026
A brand-new Royal Observatory Greenwich Schools Programme!
The Royal Observatory Greenwich is embarking on a landmark capital project to transform the Royal Observatory and make science and astronomy accessible to all. As part of this upcoming site regeneration project, our brilliant Astronomy Education team has developed a school programme designed to inspire students of all ages with the wonders of space, astronomy, and science. We’ll be delivering this space-tastic programming in our temporary home at the National Maritime Museum from January 2026. The in-person programme will be expanding Summer Term 2026, with more details coming soon.
Whilst the Planetarium and Astronomy Centre are closed, the Royal Observatory remains open. If you are interested in visiting the Royal Observatory for self-guided visit only, you can enquire about this via our Enquiry Form.
While our doors are preparing to reopen for school bookings at the National Maritime Museum, you can be the first to hear when places are available by completing our Expression of Interest form, linked below. A full description of what’s on offer is below, and will go live for booking on Monday 10 November.
Here’s what’s coming in January!
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Early Years and KS1: In-Person based at the National Maritime Museum
Every Wednesday in term time, bring your class for hands-on, sensory learning.
Our revamped Discovery Days will now include two brand new interactive workshops: Zoom to the Moon and a sensory workshop exploring our place in the Solar System.
Each Discovery Day will include a lunch space and a self-guided visit of the National Maritime Museum.
Cost: £100 per class (up to 30 children per class)
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FREE Teacher CPD: In-Person based at the National Maritime Museum or online
Join us online or onsite for practical training in teaching space science across primary and secondary, led by Observatory experts.
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Expanded Digital Programme (nationwide)
Bring the Royal Observatory Greenwich Astronomers into your classroom, wherever you are in the UK. Our digital sessions are interactive, curriculum-linked, and led live by our expert astronomers and educators.
Cost:
Solo workshop with an astronomer (just your class): £70
Workshop Webinar with an astronomer (with other schools and classes): £15
Workshops on offer include:
Key Stage 2
- Sun Earth Moon (Workshop Webinar only)
- Exploring Our Solar System
- Latitude, Longitude and Time Zones (NEW!)
- Space Exploration Adventure (NEW!)
Key Stage 3, 4 and 5
- What's Out There? Exploring Careers in the Space Sector (NEW!)
Key Stage 3
- Forces in Space
Key Stage 4
- Life Cycle of Stars
Key Stage 5
- Cosmic Distance Ladder
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Free Online Lectures
Join FREE LIVE Think Space lectures by astrophysicists to connect with current research in the fields of astronomy, physics, planetary geology and space exploration.
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Classroom resources
Royal Observatory astronomers have spent years creating a vast catalogue curriculum linked, Key Stage specific resources to support teachers in the classroom. Whether you’re after a video or hands on activity on STEM subjects, this is the place to find them!
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Extra resources
Here's a selection of extra things teachers and students might be interested in!
Think Space Lectures
Listen to astrophysicists about cutting-edge research in space science with our free online lectures.
Astronomy Ambassadors Group
Meet other like-minded young people between 16 and 21 years old and become a part of the Royal Observatory's future
Space and astronomy highlights in 2025
What's worth looking up for in 2025? Discover this year's must-see moments with Royal Observatory astronomers
Audiomoves in Space – a podcast for little learners
Young listeners will love this space-themed podcast, created by Peut-Être Theatre in partnership with Royal Observatory Greenwich
Astronomy blog
Read our monthly guides to the night sky, and check out the latest news from the Royal Observatory Greenwich astronomy team
Royal Observatory Greenwich Schools Podcasts
The astronomers at the Royal Observatory Greenwich have a large selection of podcasts for you to choose from. Whether your interest is in the current night sky, cutting edge science or the career path of people working in the industry there will be something to suit.
Teacher opportunities and training
Find out how to connect with us and what we can offer you
Sign up to our mailing list
Be the first to find out about the development of our schools programme and new learning resources.
Teacher Forum
Find out more about our Teacher Forum for primary and secondary education
CPD and ITT teacher training with the Royal Observatory Greenwich
We offer free training for teachers and trainee teachers
Online FREE Primary Teacher Training Course
The science learning team have teamed up with FutureLearn to create our first ever online course designed specifically for teachers and teachers in training at primary level.
Online FREE Secondary Teacher Training Course
The science learning team have teamed up with FutureLearn once again, to create an online course designed specifically for teachers and teachers in training at secondary level.
Networks and forums
Find out more about networks for presenters and forums for teachers and community leaders at Royal Museums Greenwich
Student opportunities and further learning
Check out the resources and experiences we have on offer for your students to help them explore astronomy further
Astronomy Ambassadors Group
Meet other like-minded young people between 16 and 21 years old and become a part of the Royal Observatory's future
Work Experience
Gain valuable skills with work experience at Royal Museums Greenwich
Astronomy careers information
If you're interested in a career in astronomy or space science we'd love to help you get started.