History
St Martin's Place
London WC2H 0HE
The National Portrait Gallery collects portraits of figures of national significance, from Tudor times to the present day, providing an ideal context for studying British history and for developing the skill of interpreting portraits as historical evidence.
Many of our cross-curricular sessions involve substantial emphasis on history so please also refer to Cross Curricular Sessions when selecting your topic. All historical discussion sessions are also available as videoconferences. We also provide a range of CPD sessions to support teachers and introduce our Collections and temporary exhibitions as resources for the classroom.
As well as our extensive on-site programmes, we also offer combined A Level and AS Level Study Days with the Tower of London.
Gallery Sessions
An interactive Gallery session with discussion in front of the portraits, followed by either drawing or an historical activity, available for smaller groups.
- 90 minutes (discussion and activity)
- 1 hour (discussion only)
- Maximum 30 students
Slide Talks
A lively slide presentation in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre is available for larger groups. Groups can also book a self-directed visit to the relevant galleries following their slide talk.
- 1 hour
- Maximum 138 students
Keystage 3
Discussion of portraits followed by practical activity looking at historical significance as a key concept.
Key Stage 4 and GCSE
Discussion of portraits looking at historical significance as a key concept. Includes sessions for the Schools History Project.
AS and A Level
Gallery discussions focused on any appropriate area of the Gallery (including the Contemporary Galleries for Politics students).
Free CPD for Secondary History Teachers
Empowering teachers to deliver and interpret portraiture.
