Our learning programmes
Our award-winning education programmes open up national heritage in ways that feel relevant and accessible, helping young people across the South West build confidence, curiosity and creative thinking. At a time when access to arts and culture is uneven, and skills in areas like engineering, conservation and the creative industries are in growing demand, we’re creating opportunities that broaden horizons and support future pathways for learners of all ages.
Every young person who visits Bristol Dockyards is a potential engineer, historian, conservator, or simply a more curious, confident version of themselves.
Numbers That Matter
The Golden Ticket Programme
Not every child gets the opportunity to visit museums or historic sites. Financial barriers, transport costs, and stretched school budgets can quietly limit horizons before they’ve even begun to expand. That’s why we created the Golden Ticket.
We offer fully funded visits to Bristol schools serving disadvantaged communities, covering transport, workshops, and access to the ship - we also invite their families, so students can return with loved ones.
It’s about fairness and opportunity, but it’s also about belonging. When a child steps aboard and feels that this place is for them, something powerful happens. Golden Ticket visits aren’t just days out. They are often first sparks.
“Half the class are asylum seekers so they would not have been able to afford it. They loved it. The Golden Tickets will allow the whole family to share in the experience, thank you so much.”
"Lots of our families never get out of their neighbourhood, cost being a major factor. Golden Tickets provide chances for precious family time in an exciting environment."
Future Brunels Programme
Some young people need more than inspiration; they need someone to believe in their potential. Our flagship Future Brunels Programme works intensively with students, offering mentorship, skills development, opportunities to secure work experience and clear pathways into STEM careers. Working with partner schools across Bristol, we select a small cohort each year and support them over five years, building confidence, ambition and a sense of belonging.
Through a rich programme of hands-on experiences beyond the classroom, from exploring engineering in unexpected places to meeting professionals across science, technology and the creative industries, students gain a real-world understanding of where STEM can take them. Along the way, they become part of the SS Great Britain community, form lasting connections and see new possibilities for their future. Because seeing what one person achieved can change how a young person sees themselves and help them recognise that same potential within.
"The programme expanded my awareness of possible future careers and provided role models. I could see myself as someone in a STEM-related career, so it motivated me to take STEM subjects at college and work towards that goal."
“It felt like an amazing opportunity. Every session was something new, that I would probably never have had the chance to do otherwise”
Schools Programme
Thousands of school children visit us to explore Brunel's revolutionary ship, handle Victorian artifacts, and discover stories that textbook pages simply can't tell. From primary school children meeting Victorian passengers to teenagers exploring engineering marvels, we make learning relatable to them. We also host Special Schools for learners with SEND offering bespoke itineraries in calmer settings.
Alongside a vibrant schools programme which has been developed alongside the curriculum for Key Stage 1-5, we also host home education days each term where adults and children have free rein of the site to learn in ways that are right for them.
"Watching them on the ship, asking questions, getting excited about history – it reminded me why I became a teacher. The confidence boost lasted long after we returned to school."
“Super informative and helpful to have the workshop and guided tour. Kids loved dressing up!”
Growing Our Impact
We're not stopping here. Every year, we're reaching more young people, developing new programmes, and finding innovative ways to make our collections and stories accessible to more young people.
But we can't do it alone. Every school visit, every Golden Ticket, every mentorship opportunity happens because people believe in the power of education to change lives and donates to our charity.