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