Work experience

The Horniman offers a small number of work experience placements to school students each academic year.

Six of these placements are allocated to students through targeted local partner schools and colleges as part of the Horniman’s commitment to widening access to Museum careers to young people from diverse backgrounds.

A further three placements are available for students in Years 10-13 (or equivalent) who are in full time education, to apply for via the online forms below.

These placements are hosted by the Formal Learning Team but you will also gain experience with other departments. Work experience placements will be allocated by the strength of applications, providing we are able to cater for your desired experience areas and that you meet the following eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria

  • You are in Years 10-13 (or equivalent)
  • You are in full time education in the UK
  • You are available to take part in a 1-2 week placement during one of the following periods: 30 September – 22 November/ 13 January – 14 February/ 10 March – 4 April/ 28 April – 16 May/ 2 June – 27 June
  • You are happy for the placement to be arranged through the Careers Lead at your school or college

Please note we are only able to consider applications made through the online forms. Email and phone call applications cannot be considered.

Applicants will find out whether they have been successful no later than 2 weeks after the closing date for each academic term.

If you would like to hear more about volunteering opportunities for young people in full time education as these become available, please sign up to our mailing list. We send 1-2 emails a year and you can unsubscribe via the link at the bottom of the email at any time.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but would still like to gain experience of museum careers, you can find out about current volunteering opportunities.

Museum staff also participate in careers fairs and outreach workshops to share their experience of working in the cultural sector. Please contact us at schools@horniman.ac.uk for more information.

Application Forms

Autumn term

Applications for the Autumn term 2024 have now closed.

Spring term

If you would like to apply for work experience in the Spring Term 2025 (13 January – 14 February or 10 March – 4 April), please complete this online form by Thursday 31 October 2024.

Summer term

If you would like to apply for work experience in the Summer Term 2025 (28 April – 16 May or 2 June – 27 June), please complete this online form by Friday 28 February 2025.

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