Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall Warwickshire

Discover where William Shakespeare was educated and inspired to become the world’s greatest playwright.

A visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall offers a fun, informal and authentic experience that brings history to life for any educational group. All visits are designed to make the best use of your time and provide an unforgettable learning experience.

You are invited to step into Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall and immerse yourself in fifteenth and sixteenth century Stratford-upon-Avon.

A visit includes:

• Entrance to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall.
• Explore the very building in which young William Shakespeare was educated in the 1570s and the Council Chamber where his father served as Bailiff (Mayor).
• Knowledgeable and passionate guides bring to life the many stories about the building’s role including the space where a young William first witnessed performances by the country’s greatest actors of the day.
• Short film by Michael Wood on the history of the Guildhall, the building he calls “one of the most atmospheric, magical and important buildings in the whole of Britain”.
• Interpretation of medieval wall paintings, the Court of record & Stratford’s Guildhall.
• Participate in an interactive Tudor Schoolroom lesson with Shakespeare’s last teacher, Master Thomas Jenkins and brush up on your Latin!
• Quill writing session.
• Dressing up in Tudor Master costume.

This immersive, informative, and engaging experience provides a crucial chapter in the story of Shakespeare’s life in his hometown – his education and the inspiration that led him to become the world’s greatest playwright.

This immersive, informative and engaging experience provides a crucial chapter of the story of Shakespeare’s life in his home town – his education and the inspiration that led him to become the world’s greatest playwright. Suitable for all ages from Primary through to University students and beyond.

Your students will be welcomed by one of our guides and shown our introductory film. This film is presented by the broadcaster and Historian, Michael Wood. They will then explore the building with our guides explaining the role of the medieval Guildhall and how the building is connected to William Shakespeare.

They will learn about Shakespeare’s father and his role within the Guildhall and learn about the schooldays of young William and how he first saw theatre performed in the building. The highlight will be a Tudor lesson led by Master Thomas Jenkins in the very room that young William Shakespeare was taught. There are some Tudor activities including quill writing available in the Georgian Classroom too.

A visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall can include the following Curriculum links:

• Mathematics.
• English.
• History.
• Science.
• Geography.
• Art.
• Design & Technology.

Maximum group size 40. Please contact us to discuss options for larger groups.

We have produced an online Teachers’ Toolkit (available on payment of invoice)

The Toolkit targets KS2 of the National Curriculum. It has been compiled with reference to, and is therefore compliant with, the subject requirements of the National Curriculum document.

The Stratford Schools Cluster provided the original focus group of experienced teachers whose own interests covered all areas of the curriculum. Several professional historians have overseen the development of the Toolkit and have authenticated its content.

Photography is authorized within the building, but flash must not be used. Filming and audio must be requested and agreed upon before your visit.

Teachers or group leaders are invited to visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall free of charge in advance of a trip. We provide a risk assessment for schools.

Please contact us via email or phone number for further school trip information:

info@shakespearesschoolroom.org

01789 868262

Please see our website for current pricing information or email info@shakespearesschoolroom.com

– School groups are required to have a minimum ratio of one adult (with free entry) for every 10 pupils
– Groups get 10% discount on standard ticket price

At least one member of staff on site will be First Aid trained but we recommend including a First Aider in your group.

Gift shop with a wide range of souvenirs. Pre-packed goody bag available, please contact us for information.
We have a single accessible toilet on the ground floor. This is not suitable for group use but is available for any emergencies.
Unfortunately, we have no facilities for eating packed lunches.

Within Shakespeare’ s Schoolroom & Guildhall we have an accessible toilet on the ground floor, adjacent to the main entrance.
We also have an accessible lift for use by anyone with impaired mobility, including wheelchair users, elderly visitors and parents with pushchairs. It is designed to carry the majority of Type A and B wheelchairs, but not Type C wheelchairs or electric scooters due to their weight and size. Please ask our team for assistance if you need to use the lift.

There is level access throughout the building at ground and first floor level, with the exception of the first floor landing to the Victorian staircase. Threshold ramps have been installed where required. Seating is available throughout the building.

There is an induction loop in the ground floor reception area, the ground floor counting house and in the first floor Tudor classroom.

Open daily (not Christmas Day or Boxing Day):

11:00am to 5:00pm (last admission 4.30pm).

‘A little gem tucked just off the main tourist beat. You can dress up, write with a quill and have a lesson with the schoolmaster who was strict but great fun. Shop worth a visit with unusual items. Interesting 600-year-old building with recently discovered wall paintings. A must to see when visiting Stratford-upon-Avon.’

– December 2019

‘This place is a real gem. Actually, part of a working school dating back prior to the days of William Shakespeare. School pupils use the rooms before 11.00am on weekdays before building opens to the public. Very welcoming and informative staff. Our initial guide was a current pupil at the school whose knowledge of the history of the building was excellent. Not one but two short videos to set the context and then upstairs to the actual schoolroom to experience being a pupil in Shakespeare’s day. The schoolmaster was terrific; very knowledgeable and entertaining. We could have stayed for much longer. Thank you!’

– January 2020

You can combine your visit to Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall with a visit to Stratford Butterfly Farm, The MAD Museum, Stratford Town Walk or the Guild Chapel. Please contact us at info@shakespearesschoolroom.org for more information.

info@shakespearesschoolroom.org