LOCAL HISTORY HUB FOR SCHOOLS

Led by teachers. Built for classrooms. Rooted in community.

Local History Hub is a grassroots, teacher-led initiative helping schools bring local history into the heart of their curriculum.

We believe that no one is better placed than teachers to decide how children connect with the past, because they understand the needs, interests, and communities of their pupils. That’s why we’re building a UK-wide network of Local History Hubs, developed in partnership with educators, and designed to make place-based learning both powerful and practical.

We’re still in our pilot phase, but momentum is growing. Schools are already joining across the UK, helping shape something new, flexible, and focused on impact.

Why Local History In Schools?

Local history helps students build:

  • Cultural capital by connecting learning to their everyday surroundings

  • A stronger sense of place, identity, and belonging

  • Skills in enquiry, storytelling, and critical thinking

  • Respect for diverse local narratives and community heritage

Our work supports the goals of all UK curricula, offering teachers practical ways to deliver a broad, balanced, and locally relevant education.

What Schools Can Expect

When your school joins a Local History Hub, you’ll be part of a collaborative, teacher-led network shaped by the needs of your community and supported by experienced professionals across the UK.

Each Hub is co-led by a Schools Lead (usually a local teacher) and a Community Lead (often someone working in heritage or outreach), who work together to coordinate local projects, events, and partnerships.

As we grow you’ll also benefit from the wider Local History Hub network, including:

  • Regional Heritage Advisors – who offer insight and guidance tailored to your area

  • National Heritage Advisors – who help shape our overall strategy across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

  • The Local History Hub Support Team – our central team, here to offer resources, training, and help when you need it

Together, we’ll support your school to:

  • Enrich the curriculum – With resources aligned to your nation’s framework and local context

  • Deliver hands-on learning – Through site visits, workshops, and pupil-led projects

  • Connect with your community – By building relationships with local museums, archives, and heritage partners

  • Develop staff confidence – Through training, CPD, and support from other educators

  • Celebrate student voice – By taking part in Local History Day and sharing your pupils' work through your Hub

How To Get Involved

You don’t need to wait for a full Hub in your area—any school can join the Local History Hub network and get involved.

Here’s how to start:

  • Appoint a School Representative– Choose a staff member to coordinate your school’s involvement

  • Join Hub Meetings – If there’s a local hub, connect with it. If not, we’ll help you get started

  • Plan Local Projects – Use our resources to design lessons, trips, and workshops that fit your pupils

  • Take Part in Local History Day – Showcase your students’ work and celebrate community history

  • Share and Collaborate – Exchange ideas with other educators, both locally and nationally

Download Our Welcome Pack

Want to explore everything in more detail?
Our Schools Welcome Pack includes a full overview of how Local History Hub works, what your school can expect, and how to get started. Download the Schools Welcome Pack (PDF)

Ongoing Support & Resources

Schools benefit from:

  • Training & Guidance – CPD and support from our Network Support Team and heritage advisors

  • Your Own Hub Page – Each hub has a dedicated space on our website to share updates and showcase resources and pupil work

  • National Network Access – Connect with like-minded schools and partners across the UK

Join Us Today

Joining Local History Hub means becoming part of a growing, teacher-led movement to make history more meaningful, accessible, and rooted in place.

Whether you’re ready to lead a Hub or just starting your local history journey, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us at: enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk
Or check our Volunteering page for current opportunities and ways to get involved