RAMM partners with British Museum to tackle school trip inequality

Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum has played a key role in a major UK-wide initiative to help more schoolchildren access cultural experiences.

The project, called Time Odyssey, was launched at the British Museum last week by charity Art Explora in partnership with museums across the UK. It aims to give more than 100,000 primary school pupils the chance to visit museums - with full travel and entry costs covered.

RAMM in Exeter was one of the pilot venues for the scheme and welcomed 544 pupils from 13 local schools, 82% of whom had not visited the museum in the past year. Some children travelled more than 80km to take part, with costs funded through Art Explora’s coach grant scheme.

The initiative comes in response to growing concerns around cultural inequality. Research commissioned by Art Explora found that 60% of teachers did not take their pupils to a museum last year, with cost cited as the main barrier.

“The visits remain extremely popular and enjoyable for all, with some children saying, ‘It’s the best day ever!’” said Neil Heasman, Time Odyssey Facilitator at RAMM.

Time Odyssey is a digital, interactive experience aimed at children aged 7–11, combining in-person exploration with an engaging virtual storyline. The experience encourages pupils to explore their local museum in new ways while fostering creativity and curiosity about history, art, and science.

The campaign specifically targets schools in rural areas and those with a high percentage of pupils receiving free school meals, many of which face the greatest challenges in arranging school trips.

“School trips offer enrichment that cannot be experienced in the classroom. This should be a fundamental right, not an optional extra,” said Frédéric Jousset, President and Founder of Art Explora.

“Time Odyssey levels the playing field, making sure all children have access to culture, no matter what their background.”

As the national campaign rolls out, other partner museums include the Yorkshire Museum, Manchester Museum, Great North Museum: Hancock, and several more expected to join later this year.

RAMM’s involvement highlights the growing role of regional museums in tackling educational and cultural disparities - bringing new opportunities to children who may not otherwise engage with heritage.