Historic Royal Palaces
Registered Charity Number: 1068852
About the Charity
Historic Royal Palaces’ care for six of the world’s most magnificent palaces, welcoming visitors from around the world to discover history in some of the country’s most iconic sites.
What our grant will help to fund
Historic Royal Palaces’ award-winning schools programme is renowned for its use of costumed presenters who transport pupils into the past, allowing them to engage with history in a way that they could never encounter so powerfully in the classroom. Our workshops span a wide array of subjects, offering students unique opportunities to discover their passions.
To ensure that these experiences are accessible to all, we heavily subsidise the programme through our Access Fund. The Access Fund provides free entry to our palaces and covers travel costs for students who would otherwise be unable to visit. Schools consistently tell us that travel costs are one of the biggest barriers to access, which is why this year we are increasing the value of travel bursaries and introducing new support specifically for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities schools within London.
In 2023, the Access Fund was supported by a grant from Movement for Good, which enabled over 9,000 pupils from 166 schools in areas of high deprivation across the UK to visit our palaces, many for the first time. We are thrilled to receive a continuation grant which will support the growth of the programme as we aim to reach 12,000 pupils in the coming year.
“We are so pleased to receive continued support from Movement for Good, which will allow our Access Fund to expand and reach even more pupils throughout the UK. As an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces is dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent students from accessing our heritage sites. This vital support for travel bursaries ensures that thousands of students, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, will benefit from our award-winning educational programme this year. We look forward to welcoming them and providing them with an unforgettable learning experience.”
Alison Lightbown, Head of Schools & Communities, Historic Royal Palaces
