LOCAL HISTORY DAY
About
-
Local History Day takes place each year in April. It is a simple, school-based event where pupils explore the people, places, stories and objects connected to their local area.
Using ready-made planning sheets and slide decks, pupils complete a short enquiry and create a small exhibit to share later in the day. Schools can take part in ways that suit their context, from a single class activity to a whole school event.
-
Local History Day helps pupils build a stronger sense of place and belonging.
It also supports the curriculum through enquiry, research, creativity and purposeful writing, while helping schools connect with local heritage organisations.
-
Morning
A short launch assembly followed by classroom enquiry. Pupils research a local story and create a simple exhibit.Afternoon
The school hall becomes a gallery. Classes display their work and visit each other’s exhibits. Schools may also invite families to view after school.
Resources For Schools
A set of practical, ready-to-use materials to help you run Local History Day in your setting. All resources are free to download and can be adapted to reflect your local area.
-
Introduce the day with a simple, pupil-friendly launch assembly.
KS1 Assembly Slides:click here to download
KS2 Assembly Slides: click here to download
-
Structured worksheets to support research and exhibit planning.
KS1 Planning Sheet:click here to download
LKS2 Planning Sheet:click here to download
UKS2 Planning Sheet:click here to download
-
Step-by-step slides guiding pupils through the morning session.
KS1 Full-Day Slides: click here to download
LKS2 Full-Day Slides: click here to download
UKS2 Full-Day Slides: click here to download
-
Short guides to support preparation and delivery.
Pre-Event Checklist:click here to download
On-the-Day Guide: click here to download
Full Guide: click here to download
Quick Start Guide: click here to download
-
Printable posters to promote Local History Day in school.
A3 Local History Day Poster: click here to download
A4 Local History Day Poster: click here to download
-
Materials to support whole-staff briefings or hub-led sessions.
Staff Training Slides:click here to download
Curriculum Links: click here to download
(Hub Lead meeting slides and agendas are not hosted here — these remain in the Hub Leads Portal.)
How To Get Involved
-
Any school can take part. You can use the materials as they are or adapt them to suit your setting. Participation can be as simple or as ambitious as you choose, and is designed to fit around your timetable.
If you’d like support, your local hub can offer ideas, local prompts and simple ways to link the day to your curriculum.
-
Local History Day works best when schools share ideas and approaches. Hub Leads can use these materials to support schools and prepare together.
Your Local History Hub can also support longer-term collaboration across your area.
-
Local History Day is a simple way to work with schools.
You might share short stories, images or objects, offer input, or help pupils understand the history of a place or theme. If you’re interested in supporting local schools, please get in touch.
-
Schools and partners are welcome to share photos and examples using #LocalHistoryDay, or send a short update to enquiries@localhistoryhub.org.uk
Looking ahead to 2027
Local History Day will return on Wednesday 21st April 2027.
Setting the date early helps schools and partners plan ahead. As in 2026, the focus will remain on simple, meaningful classroom enquiries rooted in local stories.
Have your say
If you took part this year, we would really value your feedback.
Your reflections help us improve the day and shape future resources.
Complete the short feedback survey by clicking here.