Schools and Colleges Day

Schools and Colleges Day at the British Academy’s Ideas Festival (previously the Summer Showcase) returns on Friday 19 June 2026, 10am-2pm. Through interactive exhibits and workshops, inspiring performances and screenings, and thought-provoking talks, our funded researchers will share their innovative social sciences and humanities research that is shaping the society we live in – and informing the one we want to create.

We hope this day will encourage students (age 14+) to explore subjects beyond the curriculum and engage with each exhibit, and ask questions of researchers which we hope will expand their thinking about what to study in the future, or what unexpected career prospects they may lead to.

Come along, try something new, and be inspired to think differently about the world around you.

• It's free to attend.
• It provides an opportunity for students to meet with researchers working at various career stages, to discuss their funded work, and gain insight and advice on further study and work options.
• Offers insights into a wide range of social sciences and humanities subjects, including plenty beyond the KS3 and KS4 curriculum.
• The day will feature workshops designed specifically for students.
• Bursary available to cover lunch for students on free school meals.
• Travel bursaries are available for state schools and colleges based outside London and for those unable to travel via public transport (application at point of booking). London schools can apply to TFL for free/discounted travel.
• If you would like your school to take part, but need financial assistance with staffing cover costs please email us to discuss further as we may be able to help. Priority will be given to schools with a high uptake of free school meals.
• See a full list of our 2025 exhibits and discover more about the kinds of research that may be featured at the 2026 British Academy Ideas Festival, below:

“Lots of it was so interactive 😊” — (School student)

“Our students had an amazing experience – particular highlights [was] the workshop What Are the Humanities (and Where Can They Take You?)” — (Teacher)

“I never really knew what researchers did before. So, the main thing has been learning about that. That it’s an actual job, being able to do something you are really, really interested in and passionate about” — (School student)

“Just visiting [10-11 Carlton House Terrace] is a unique experience for [the students]. Online just wouldn’t give them the same life experience” — (Teacher)

If you have any questions or would like to book a spot for your class to attend the 2026 Schools and Colleges Day, get in touch with us at [email protected].