Schools programme overview
The 2026 Summer Science Exhibition features a schools programme, offering UK schools and colleges two unique opportunities to attend the exhibition and meet the researchers. UK school and college groups can book to visit the exhibition between 30 June - 3 July 2026, bringing a group of up to 30 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) engaged students to meet the researchers. To book or check latest availability of spaces, please use the Eventbrite links below. A waitlist will be in effect for each option if they become fully booked.
There are two options for booking this year, depending on the age of your students:
School and colleges group booking (14 - 18 yrs)
Groups with students at GCSE and A-level age (or equivalent) can visit the exhibition, alongside the visiting public, at a morning or afternoon slot on either the 1, 2 or 3 July.
Students will get the opportunity to talk with a wide range of researchers, finding out more about the innovative science, technology, engineering and maths they are undertaking and their career pathways in scientific research. There will also be the opportunity to engage with a large range of publicly accessible interactive activities and attend talks (spaces permitting) from a large variety of scientists involved across the entire week.
To support with planning, schools or colleges can book a slot for either the morning (10am - 12.30pm) or afternoon (12.30pm - 3pm) on their day of choice, for a group of up to 30 students. We recommend that lunch is taken before or after your visit as there are no available spaces for large groups to take lunch inside the building. Please note that all students, no matter their age, MUST be accompanied by school or college chaperones on-site for safeguarding reasons.
Primary schools day (8 - 11 yrs)
After a successful pilot in 2025, we will be running a primary schools day exclusively for school groups with students aged 8-11 years old to attend the exhibition on Tuesday 30 June.
Students will get the opportunity to talk with the researchers, finding out more about the innovative science, technology, engineering and maths they are undertaking and their career pathways in scientific research. There will also be a range of other activities to help a younger audience engage with the innovation on display and to find out more about the skills used within these careers.
To support with planning, schools will have the opportunity to book a group of up to 30 students to attend at either 10am or 11am start time. All groups will be welcome to stay till closing at 3pm or leave earlier if needed. The day will be for schools only and will not be open to the general public. Please note, there will still be other adults on-site in the form of staff, exhibitors and press. Students MUST be accompanied by a school chaperone on-site for safeguarding reasons. There will be space available for groups attending on Tuesday 30 June to eat packed lunches they have brought with them.
Key information for groups visiting
Please be aware there is no parking at the Royal Society due to its location in central London, and we recommend travelling by public transport, where possible. Coaches and minibuses can drop off and collect outside the venue, but alternative parking will need to be found. You will be able to find more information about travel and accessibility on the main exhibition pages later in the year.
Please note, booking is available to UK-registered schools and colleges only. Home educators and other groups are welcome to attend the exhibition as members of the public. More information can be found on the main Summer Science web page.
For queries about the booking process please contact education@royalsociety.org.