Schools at Kew

School Bookings

Schools Education - Kew

Bringing your students to Kew

For many schools and colleges coming to Kew is the highlight of their year. Groups appreciate the hands-on activities, knowledgeable and engaging tours, and focussed approach to learning.

A streamlined process now makes it easier to come and experience all that we have to offer groups of every age.

There are two ways to come and enjoy your time with us. You can bring any number of students to Kew Gardens, even a whole school, accompanied by the appropriate number of adults.

Enhancing your visit

To make the most of your visit, we offer our very popular Activity Tours (up to 15 students per group) led by our fully-trained staff. Those seeking more focussed sessions can combine an Activity Tour with one of our special Workshops offering hands-on activities in our teaching rooms or fieldwork in the Wild Zone conservation area (max 15 students per group). Click here for Activity Tours and Workshops by Key Stage.

A visit to Kew offers great value-for money. Our 2009 rates are:

Visit - £75 per school, per visit...

PLUS: Activity Tour : £25 per group; OR: Activity Tour and Workshop £50 per group

(Bespoke, all-day visits from £200 - click for details)

Book early

School Visits for the summer term are completely full.  We can only take education booking requests for August onwards.

Booking and payment must be made at least six weeks before you visit.

Contact us as early as possible to ensure you get your first preference as peak slots fill up quickly, even a year in advance. Please give alternative dates on the booking form in order of preference.

We regret we cannot take bookings over the telephone or by email. All bookings must be made by completing online booking form.

Our team is available to answer your enquiries and assist you with planning your visit. Contact them by email to schools@kew.org

Health and safety

Please be aware of the following:

  • • You are coming to a busy, working garden where large horticultural machines and tractors operate. Please take care and do not touch, or climb on them.
  • An adequate number of adults to pupils is needed based on the ratios:
    SEN 1:1 ; Reception - 1:2;   Key Stage 1 - 1:5;   Key Stage 2 - 1:8;   Key Stage 3 - 1:10;   Key Stage 4/5 - 1:10

    • Additional adults are admitted at the standard entry fee.

    • Be aware of clearly signed areas of deep water
    • Plants can be toxic or irritant, so should not be touched or eaten; others have sharp leaves or spines. Wash your hands before lunch.

    Planning visits

    Preparation is all important and we encourage pre-visit planning before you bring your group. Just put the date on your booking form and we will send you a free-entry voucher.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Kew in 2009 and will be happy to discuss any requirements you may have. Email us: schools@kew.org

    There is a wealth of material online to help you prepare your group for their visit.

    A typical day

    Education groups arrive at Victoria Gate, from 10am, where they are met and introduced to the Gardens by a member of our team who will explain the day and run through the day's timings.

    We can suggest the best places to go to avoid the crowds, tell you how long it will take to move around the site, and advise on the most interesting way to spend any of your free time.

    If you have booked Activity Tours or Workshops you will be shown where to meet your Kew teacher for the sessions. It's important that you are in place to start on time.

    Coaches can pick-up, drop-off and park for free after 10am along the Kew Road, closest to the Victoria Gate.

    Lunch

    All groups are allocated time to eat their packed lunches in the Munch Box (perfect if the weather is inclement). The Munch Box is situated in Climbers and Creepers, and about 10 minutes' walk from the Palm House.

    strolling map (pdf`)

    Climbers and Creepers

    Climbers and Creepers is a play area available for school children in Foundation to Year 2 only, and must be booked in advance.

    What to bring

    Wear layered clothing to cope with the contrast between hot houses and the weather outside. You will need to be prepared for all types of weather and a waterproof jacket is essential for the British climate.

    Comfortable shoes will help as there is lots of walking during the day. On sunny days remember to wear a hat and use sun protection, and bring water bottles.

    Hard-backed books or clipboards are useful for writing and drawing activities. (You can always attach pens/pencils with string.)

    There is no where to store coats, bags and lunches. We suggest you bring only the things you need, secure in a backpack.

    Download and print useful trails for students. Maps and H&S sheets are available for adults.

    Taking care

    There are hand-washing facilities available in the Munch Box and the public toilets which are clearly signed. Don't forget to wash your hands before eating.

    Some of our workshops involve work with soil and leaf litter, so remember to cover cuts before you begin.

    Special needs and mobility

    Please let us know if anyone in your group has any special requirements, such as allergies, behaviour issues or mobility needs. Please note on the booking form.

    Shopping

    The main children's shop is at White Peaks, next to Climbers and Creepers. There is a smaller selection of children's gifts is at Victoria Plaza.

    Limit of 10 children, with an adult, at a time in the shops