Medway schools to benefit from free visits to the Historic Dockyard
We are delighted to launch Dockyard Discoverers 2025/26 โ a funded programme offering free school visits to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for up to 900 pupils from Medway schools with above average pupil premium numbers.
This opportunity has been made possible thanks to a generous grant of ยฃ16,866 from the Kent Reliance Community Foundation.
The Dockyard Discoverers programme gives children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to take part in our award-winning Learning Programme. Through hands-on, curriculum linked sessions, students explore key STEM topics in the inspiring setting of The Historic Dockyard.
For more than 400 years, the Dockyard was a centre of innovation and engineering. Today it offers an immersive environment where each visit is tailored to meet the specific needs and learning objectives of participating schools.
Our Learning Programme has been recognised nationally with the prestigious Sandford Award, as well as the Quality Badge awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom โ a testament to the exceptional educational experiences on offer.
Stephen Billington, Head of Lifelong Learning at Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, said:
โAt Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, we are committed to understanding and responding to the needs of local schools. We recognise that high pupil premium schools often face financial challenges that restrict access to valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Through the Dockyard Discoverers programme, we aim to remove those barriersโproviding an enriching, STEM-led educational experience that complements and enhances classroom learning”.
Jonathan Couch, Head of Grants at the Kent Reliance Community Foundation, said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be supporting this project, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing education for underprivileged children and young people and fostering their social mobility. We believe that investing in these areas is crucial for building a brighter future for individuals and communities alike.”
Registration is now open for schools
Medway schools can register interest in the Dockyard Discoverers Programme by emailing the Learning Team at learning@chdt.org.uk
School eligibility
The Dockyard Discoverers Programme is open to Infant, Primary and Secondary Schools in Medway whose number of Free School Meal students is above the Medway average, based on the latest published Ever 6 Free School Meals data.
Dockyard Discoverers discounted coach travel through ASD Coaches
We are delighted to announce with have partnered with ASD Coachesย for a second year to be able to offer discounted coach travel for schools participating in the Dockyard Discoverers Programme. Please ask our Learning Team for more information.ย ย
