Before your Visit

• All school groups wishing to visit IWM North must pre-book using the online visit request form. 
• We advise that group leaders visit us in advance of their school visit in order to conduct their own risk assessment.
• Tours, events, handling sessions and classroom based learning sessions have maximum capacities. Larger groups may have to be split.
• Due to popular demand it is only possible to book one special (chargeable) activity per class per visit.
• We recommend that all groups have an adult-to-child ratio of 1:10. Groups who do not meet this ratio will not be permitted access to the Air Shard viewing platform. The minimum ratio for secondary schools is 1:15. We reserve the right to refuse admission to groups that do not meet the ratio on the day.

Payment Policy

Pre-booked learning sessions (all costs include VAT):

• £65 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for sessions up to 60 minutes.
• £95 per group (maximum 30 pupils) for a longer session, 60–120 minutes.
• £16 per pupil for full-day workshop/conferences.

• Schools booking charging events can pre-pay or request an invoice. Please select your preference on the visit request form and we will action this. Please do not bring cheques or cash on the day.

To Get the Most Out of your Visit

• Ensure that you have a structured day with clear learning objectives and defined activities for your students. All students and all accompanying adults should know what the itinerary is and why they are visiting the museum. Occasionally students are left to wander unsupervised and without a focus, which has potential for negative behaviour and can lead to increased safety risk and disturbance to others.
• For many visitors, IWM North is not history but reflects very real events that they have experienced in their own lives. Care and consideration must be given to all other users of the museum.

On Arrival

• Groups must enter IWM North via the Group Entrance unless they have booked a self-guided visit in which case they should use the Main Entrance.
• Groups must arrive at least five minutes before their first activity is due to start. Please remember that it can take a considerable length of time to get across Manchester and that the entrance can get busy when school groups arrive at the same time. You may be asked to wait until your booked time.
• The Lead Teacher must report to the Group Entrance and announce the arrival of their group.
• Belongings and packed lunches are to be deposited in the cloakroom. Please ensure that students do not bring unnecessary valuables.

Behaviour in the Museum

• Teachers are responsible for the behaviour of their groups throughout the visit. Ensure that your party is divided into small groups and that a responsible adult is in charge of and in sight of each group at all times. Other visitors must not be disturbed by inconsiderate behaviour.
• No food or drink, including sweets, may be consumed anywhere in the museum, except the Green Room. The Water Shard Café is to be used only when purchasing from there.
• It is not permitted to touch any of the exhibits on display. This is for their long-term preservation and for safety reasons. This does not apply to blind and partially sighted visitors.
• We regret that failure to abide by these rules may result in the group being asked to leave the building and future visits by the school being stopped.

Health and Safety

• For a safe and enjoyable visit please make sure to wear appropriate footwear and adhere to our rules and regulations including not running.
• IWM North has staff fully trained in first aid should you need assistance. In this event please alert a member of staff who will contact a first aider.
• IWM North has full evacuation procedures in case of emergency or fire. All fire exits are clearly marked and all staff trained in evacuation procedures. Please ensure that your group understand the importance of following such procedures in the event of an evacuation.
• IWM North has £10 million public liability cover.

Shop

The shop is on the ground floor. Only ten pupils, accompanied by a teacher or adult, should go in at a time.

Air Shard

Access to the Air Shard is from the Ground Floor near the shop. Only ten pupils, accompanied by a teacher or adult, should visit at a time.

Lifts

The lifts are intended for elderly and disabled visitors only.

Toilets

The toilets are on the Ground Floor. Please be aware that other visitors will be using these.

Lunch Room

The Lunch Room is situated on the ground floor. Schools must pre-book a minimum of a welcome talk to book a slot. Each timeslot lasts 30 minutes. If your group is less than 80 we cannot offer exclusive use.

Departure

You must leave by the Group Entrance.

Disabled Access

Please see our Visitor Information for more detailed information on accessibility.