A Unique Educational Experience in Edinburgh

Victorian classroom sessions, school & group visits in Newhaven.

The History of Education Centre is a wonderful resource for students and people of all ages

The History of Education Centre or The Victorian Schoolroom provides a unique opportunity in Edinburgh to discover the changes that have taken place in schools and domestic life, in particular in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Visit us in our authentic Victorian setting

THE HEART OF NEWHAVEN COMMUNITY,
4–6 MAIN STREET, NEWHAVEN,
EDINBURGH EH6 4HY.

Since the Victorian Schoolroom opened again after Covid, we have had many visitors: school pupils from Edinburgh and the Central Belt; visitors from Europe; cruise ship visitors; local dementia and Alzheimer’s groups with carers; students; Newhaven residents.

Costs are: £5 per pupil with accompanying adults free, adult groups £8 per person (normally a minimum of 10 people).

Bookings are now open for the new school session 2024–25.

Please note that the Victorian Schoolroom is on the first floor of the building up a few short flights of steps. A lift will be installed in the building in the future. Please take this information into account before you book.

We hope to see you all soon, in the Schoolroom.

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Volunteering Opportunities

If you have an interest in education and/or history, enjoy acting and working with children, we would welcome you as a volunteer. Learn more

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Funding

We rely mainly on visitors’ fees to cover our running costs. We are very grateful to have received a grant from Museums and Galleries Scotland (MGS) for the History of Education Centre COVID response to update our website and make digital content available to the public. If you would like to make a donation please contact our admin at histedcentre@gmail.com.

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Thanks

Our thanks to the organisations that have supported us: The Heart of Newhaven Community, Leith Men’s Shed, Museums & Galleries Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Community Grants Fund. We are very grateful for a grant from the Forth Neighbourhood Network which helped HEC in its move to The Heart at Newhaven. The grant went towards the refurbishment of our Schoolroom.

Teacher & Visitor Testimonials

“It was super! It gave the children a taste of school in Victorian times and demonstrated some of the jobs that they would have helped with at home.”

“Thanks for taking me back in time.”

“Brilliant-brings back some memories of school: the benches, blackboards, the strap!”

“Brought history to life”

“You have given us lots to think and talk about.”

“Bring back the good old days!”