LOCAL HISTORY & CULTURAL CAPITAL

Why Local History Matters in Schools

Local history has the power to transform education. It connects pupils with the people and places around them, builds cultural capital, and strengthens the curriculum in ways that are relevant, rooted, and real.

At Local History Hub, we’re a new, teacher-led initiative that believes educators are best placed to understand the needs of the children they teach. They know their communities, and they know what matters. We support them to lead the way—using local heritage to inspire curiosity, deepen learning, and celebrate place-based stories that resonate with every child.

At the same time, heritage organisations and historical sites are an invaluable part of this work. They offer rich, tangible opportunities to boost engagement, develop cultural understanding, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.

Aligning With National Education Priorities

Across the UK, education frameworks—whether the Curriculum for Excellence (Scotland), the Northern Ireland Curriculum, or the National Curriculum in England and Wales—call for a broad, balanced, and locally relevant education.

Local history responds directly to this call by:

  • Linking the past with pupils’ lived experiences

  • Encouraging place-based learning that brings history to life

  • Strengthening identity, belonging, and respect for diverse perspectives

  • Supporting inspection readiness through meaningful, high-quality provision

What Local History Brings to Schools

Curriculum & Learning Quality

  • Grounds learning in students’ local context, adding relevance and depth

  • Supports cross-curricular links with geography, literacy, STEM, and more

  • Encourages independent thinking, enquiry, and storytelling

Personal & Cultural Development

  • Builds pride in place and community heritage

  • Broadens cultural horizons through local stories and sites

  • Promotes empathy and understanding of multiple perspectives

Student Engagement & Learning Attitudes

  • Sparks curiosity and motivation through real-world connections

  • Enables experiential learning through site visits and community projects

  • Strengthens school–community relationships and active citizenship

Leadership & School Improvement

  • Demonstrates a broad and balanced curriculum

  • Offers tangible evidence for inspection and curriculum planning

  • Enhances CPD through heritage-led professional learning

How Local History Hub Supports Schools

We’re in the early stages of building a UK-wide network of teacher-led Local History Hubs—and we’re here to help you bring local history into the heart of your curriculum.

What we offer:

  • Tailored curriculum support aligned to your school’s framework

  • Links with local archives, museums, and heritage sites

  • CPD, training, and workshops for teachers and leaders

  • Student-led projects and opportunities for community engagement

If you’re ready to explore how local history can enrich learning in your school, we’d love to hear from you.

Email: enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk
[Or Click Here]

Together, let’s bring history home—to your school, your students, and your community.

Get Involved