British Schools Museum

We love this place! I hadn’t been for a few years since my older children were little, but now my youngest is school age, I decided to take her along. We were immediately greeted by Bea, who gave us a super friendly welcome. She immediately took us across to the Headmaster’s house and gave us a brief introduction of the school history, outside yard and the scullery. She then handed us over to Max who was absolutely fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable and brilliant with my daughter. He kept her engaged through the whole tour - not easy to do with a 4 year old! She really enjoyed handling the different objects in the house and the museum, especially the writing materials in the school rooms. We then stayed to play in the play areas and had lunch at the cafe. Again, the staff were lovely, there was a good selection of vegetarian options (we don’t always find this when out) and very reasonably priced. We’ll definitely come back again as there is just so much to do. A great place to spend a few hours, thank you for a brilliant time.

Great museum, highly recommend the Victorian Childhood experience. They also do fantastic crafts and events during school holidays. The play cafe is usually open (even when the museum is closed), with an outdoor area for the summer.

We turned up on a day that tours were not usually given but the deputy curator, Max, kindly took us around as we had come a long way away. With great enthusiasm and knowledge we were guided round this unique group of buildings. It was part history lesson as to the origins of the education system and part reminiscence as to our own experience as we are in our mid seventies.The wealth of detail in the refurbished rooms and careful attention to detail is very atmospheric, enlightening and surprising. Max was good at listening to questions, observations and opinions as well as telling the story.A worthwhile and unique day out with plenty of food for thought. A small shop and cafe complete the experience.

I had a great time taking a fascinating walk through a part of British history. There are just so many wonderful artifacts, and great effort has been put into creating a visual experience that plants you right in the period that the room corresponds to (beginning in the early 19th century through to WWII). I really enjoyed the copious amounts of information to read and take in. There are also scanable QR codes that open up Youtube videos, with actors reading the information in character; if that's more your thing.There is an exhibit, once one has taken in all that the school has to offer, of famous persons connected with the local area. It was a treasure trove of fascinating items to look at. It features Dickens, Orwell, George Bernard Shaw, and two or three others that were equally interesting, if not as well known; Edward Bulwer-Lytton, in particular!The staff were really lovely. Each and every one of them. I had a fascinating conversation with a lady that voluntered, along with her Husband, he was the curator for the museum and she, a retired teacher, now dressed up and gave lessons in the Victorian Gallery classrom. What a treat that must be to see!I was the first visitor after re-opening post-Covid lockdown, so I didn't quite get the full experience, which is totally understandable, but I still thoroughly recommend a visit. Get lost in there for 3 hours and you won't regret learning all about Joseph Lancaster and his Monitorial School system. It's fantastic!Thank you to every one that contributes time and effort toward making this little bit of British history available to enjoy.

Situated in the small town of Hitchin the museums offers a nice experience about how the school system worked in the past. It's situated near the centre and you can park in one of the 3 car parks just a couple minutes walk (pay&display). The train station is 15 minutes walk. The museum is opposite of Asda. The staff is helpful, nice and give a very nice tour of the museum. They even offer a ''look back experience'' for children. You also have a small coffee shop and toilets. It brought back memories from my primary school years. It's really worth visiting with friends, family or school trips.

Absolutely fantastic museum - I took our Beaver colony here and we had the best time - the curators made it such a fun and informative experience. There is so much to see with all the different classrooms as well as the Headmaster's House. Well worth a visit.

Very interesting little museum. My partner enjoyed it as he has a fascination with schools and how they work. Staff that run the place are very friendly and knowledgable, and the shop has a selection of local merchandise and old classic children’s games. In the current circumstances it is advisable to book, but you can turn up, and it’s £6.50 for adults, not sure about children. Well worth a visit.

Went as a helper with a school group. It was excellent. Very factual and interesting.The children loved it. Especially experiencing a Victorian classroom and PE lesson.Staff very pleasant.

There is very very lovely place. Good worker working here. He explained everything about English school history and school management system. This school is the last school about English education system. Local people managed here and bought here saving money together. There has many things for children. My children spent very very good time

Wow, what a fantastic trip back in time. Both the school and the WWII trench reconstruction are worth a visit. The staff and volunteers were spellbinders!