Science for Schools 2026 Brochure by Cheltenham Festivals

Produced

Welcome to Science for Schools 2026

2–7 June 2026

Get ready for Cheltenham Science Festival 2026, full of shows, workshops and free activities for you and your students to explore.

See where magic and science collide with Amanda Hartley, blast off on a tour of the Universe with Dhara Patel and Charlie Isham and investigate if the experiments you see on TikTok are real or fake with Jamie Gallagher. Enjoy spectacular shows, get hands-on in our class-sized workshops and step into our Interactive Zones including the Discover Zone, The Arcade and MakerShack. Ignite your curiosity and discover something new around every corner.

Whether you are bringing a few pupils or a whole year group, there is something for everyone. Take the stress out of organising your visit by booking one of our packages.

We can’t wait to welcome you in June.

Emma Gardner Learning and Participation Manager (STEM)

Find out more about the packages we offer on the booking page of each key stage. Take the stress out of organising your visit.

Please

Maximise Your Day

Get access to one of our Interactive Zones as part of your Festival visit by booking onto one of our ticketed shows or workshops.

MakerShack

Explore the material world, bring your imagination and invent your own creations in MakerShack . A place where we celebrate all things materials and making. Hone your crafting skills with expert makers, crafters, scientists and engineers. Watch as art and STEM collide to inspire the next generation of scientists.

DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am–3pm

The Arcade

Get your game face on and put your skills to the test in The Arcade. Challenge your friends to a fun game in our two-player challenges; make, break and create with our gaming experts and discover how you can be a change maker in cyber.

DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am–3pm

The Flight Deck

GE Aerospace

From Power Systems, to Avionics, to Engines – how is Aircraft technology changing the world? Join GE Aerospace for an exciting journey through engineering and science, with interactive exhibits, activities and challenges. Complete every activity and help inspire the future of sustainability. For groups of up to 35 pupils.

DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am–3pm

Enjoy any time during your visit... Waterstones

Discover Zone

Immerse yourself in a world of fun and interactive science in the Discover Zone. Journey through and get hands on with science, quiz scientists on their cuttingedge research and uncover how you can become a future change maker. Who knows what you might discover...

DAILY ONE-HOUR SLOTS AVAILABLE 10am–3pm

Eat the Rainbow: Kitchen Garden

It’s not just a garden – it’s a live, edible colour laboratory. Brought to you by Project Grow, be inspired by our hands-on, sensory kitchen garden. From seed to plate, discover the connection between science and the food we grow.

Drop in any time, or book onto a free workshop on the day of your visit.

DAILY 30-MINUTE SLOTS AVAILABLE 10.30am–1.30pm

With books covering everything from black holes to nanobots, magnets to velociraptors, head to Waterstones’ special pop-up bookshop. Meet your favourite authors and get your books signed, browse the bookshelves for captivating stories and discover a wonderful range of books.

Giant Insect World Trail

Explore the hidden lives of insects in this free Science Trail. Investigate clues, solve minichallenges and make observations as you uncover the extraordinary behaviours, survival strategies and ecosystem roles of giant insects. Pick up a free question sheet and explore at any time.

How to Book

These are only available with a paid event and subject to availability. Select your preferred Interactive Zone on the booking form.

Complete Your Booking Here

Booking opens at 4pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026

Key Stage 1

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Helix Theatre

£7.50 per pupil

How does science make birds fly, pumpkins vomit and potions change colour? Join children’s author and scientist, Mandy Hartley, in this interactive science adventure, as you follow a young wizard whose magical experiments are about to cause a catastrophe! A perfect combination of action songs, stories and science.

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10–11am S015 12–1pm S016

Bubbles and Balloons

Helix Theatre

£7.50 per pupil

Can you make a bubble last forever or even turn it square? Can a balloon become a helicopter? Science Made Simple launches Bubbles and Balloons, a fizzy, fun adventure into the science of soap, air, water, forces and energy.

Materials and their properties, Forces, Motion and gravity

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10–11am S020 12–1pm S021

Science Adventure with Izzy the Inventor

Helix Theatre

£7.50 per pupil

Mini Makers

Squish, squash and squeeze different materials to learn more about them.

Enjoy our dedicated Key Stage 1 slots in MakerShack as part of a package by booking onto any event. Find out more on p5.

Amazing Air

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

How do we know that air is all around us?

Join Sarah Bearchell for an interactive, multi-sensory exploration of air.

Observe and experiment to prove that air really is there!

Working scientifically, Animals including humans

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10–11am S003

Meet Izzy the Inventor, a girl who loves science and does not believe in magic. But when Izzy is transported to Fairytale Land she must use her science skills to outwit trolls with slime and launch water balloons to get past terrible ogres. On this magical science adventure, author Zanna Davidson helps you think up your own amazing inventions and invites you to act out part of the story.

SESSION

There’s a Zoo in Your House

Helix Theatre

£7.50 per pupil

Would an elephant eat your cereal?

Could a hippo wallow in your bath?

Learn how and where animals live with zoologist Jules Howard and then draw the animals with illustrator Shoo Rayner to transform your house into a zoo.

Chaired by Becci Smith

Animals including humans, Living things and habitats

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S009 1–2pm S010

Tuesday 2 June

Wednesday 3 June

Thursday 4 June

Friday 5 June

How to Book

Book a Mini Makers package:

£7.50 per pupil/child

Includes: one show and hands-on activities in MakerShack (see p2 for full details)

Package 1 Tuesday 2 June

1. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 10–11am

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 1pm

Package 2 Tuesday 2 June

1. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 12–1pm

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 2pm

Package 3 Wednesday 3 June

1. Bubbles and Balloons 10am–11am

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 1pm

Package 4

Wednesday 3 June

1. Bubbles and Balloons 12–1pm

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 2pm

Package 5 Thursday 4 June

1. Izzy the Inventor 10–11am

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 1pm

Package 6 Thursday 4 June

1. Izzy the Inventor 12–1pm

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 2pm

Package 7 Friday 5 June

1. Amazing Air 10–11am

2. Access to the MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 2pm

Package 8 Friday 5 June

1. There’s a Zoo in your House 11am–12pm

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 10am and 2pm

Package 9 Friday 5 June

1. There’s a Zoo in your House 1–2pm

2. Access to MakerShack 1 hour between 11am and 3pm

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Bubbles and Balloons

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Key Stage 2

It’s Only Water

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

Splash into the world of water with Science Made Simple! How does water freeze? Why do things float? This demofilled show reveals water’s hidden powers and helps you understand the science behind this incredible substance… and maybe get a little bit wet along the way!

Materials and their properties, Forces, States of matter, Reversible & irreversible changes

S022

What If…?

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

What if every volcano erupted at once? What if your blood turned blue? Emma Young investigates the science questions you’ve always wondered about – or never even thought of. Explore the human body, planet Earth, the animal world and more. Let your imagination ask, “What if...?”

Animals incl. humans, Earth and space

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1–2pm S024

The STEM World Cup

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

Join physicist and former professional footballer Mark Langtry, aka Mark the Science Guy, to uncover the science and technology giving teams the competitive edge at World Cup 2026. From aerodynamics and AI analytics, to smart stadiums and wearable tech, explore the innovations revolutionising sports and creating future champions.

Forces, Properties of materials, Technology, Healthy living

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10–11am S013

Challenge the Engineers

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£8.50 per pupil

Test your engineering and science skills in a series of hands-on challenges designed exclusively by Dyson engineers. Can you beat these ultimate challenges in this interactive workshop? Bring along your inquisitive minds and let’s get started.

Forces, Engineering, Design

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S039

11.15am–12.15pm S040

12.45–1.45pm S041 2–3pm S042

Kindly supported by The James Dyson Foundation

Adventures in Cyberland

Regency Suite, Queens Hotel

£8.50 per pupil

Dive into the world of cyber technology with Lockheed Martin. Solve fun challenges, decode hidden messages and write basic software. In this interactive workshop, uncover what roles science, technology, engineering and maths play in computer science.

Coding, Computing, Spoken English, Electricity, Geometry, Online safety

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S047

11.15am–12.15pm S048

12.45–1.45pm S049

2–3pm S050

Kindly supported by Lockheed Martin

Workshop sizes: 25–35 pupils per session

Space Tour

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Are there penguins on Venus? How do rockets blast off into space? And what makes dark matter so mysterious?

Buckle up with Charlie Isham and Dhara Patel , from the National Space Centre, for a tour of the cosmos that includes interactive demos and weird and wonderful facts that will make you go Wow! Yuck! and Woah!

Earth and space, Forces, Materials and states of matter

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S025

Sea Creature

Superpowers

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Dive into the deep and explore the amazing “superpowers” of ocean animals with scientist Russell Arnott . From the acoustic properties of whales, through to the shrimp that pack a supersonic punch, this interactive show will inspire curiosity and help pupils discover the overlap between marine biology and physics.

Living things and habitats, Animals inc. humans, Adaptation, Light and forces

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1–2pm S011

Choose Your Own Evolution

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Will you survive or go extinct? The power is in your hands. Take a spectacular journey through animal evolution in this interactive event with zoologist and author Jules Howard. Expect animal winners, losers and extraordinary struggles in this epic battle for survival where the audience call the shots.

Living things and habitats, Evolution and inheritence, Rocks (fossils and physical)

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S008

Light

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

Join award-winning physicist Jess Wade for a bright and brilliant exploration of the science of light. From shimmering rainbows to the mysteries of the night sky, discover how light shapes everything we see. Expect dynamic demonstrations, interactive explanations and inspiring connections across science, as Jess shows how light reveals our universe and powers technologies that change lives.

Light, Earth and Space

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1–2pm S026

NanoInvasion

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

All around us is a strange world where nothing is as it seems; where pencils are stronger than steel and metal becomes transparent. Shrink down with materials scientist Jamie Gallagher and delve into the world of nanotechnology to discover the tiny tech that is changing our phones, food, sport and health.

Properties of materials, States of matter, Electricity

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S006

Challenge the Engineers

Regency Suite, Queens Hotel

£8.50 per pupil

Forces, Engineering, Design

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S043

11.15am–12.15pm S044 12.45–1.45pm S045 2–3pm S046

Kindly supported by The James Dyson Foundation

Amazing Adaptation

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Unleash your inner explorer as you learn how animals survive in the wild in this hands-on, interactive show with ZooLab Come face-to-face with snakes, spiders, lizards and uncover the incredible ways they’re uniquely adapted to their habitats.

Living things and habitats, Animals including humans, Evolution

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S007

Rude Science

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Find out everything you ever needed to know about pee, farts, bogies, scabs and vomit with Stefen Gates’ explosive show, Rude Science. Stefan brings the rudest bits of science to life with stunts, rockets, snot cocktails and enormous bottoms. Yes, you read that right!

States of matter, Sound, Animals including humans

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 1–2pm S004

Key Stage 2

How

Key Stage 3

Ethical Hacking

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£8.50 per pupil

Not all hackers are bad! Join CyberFirst as you become ethical hackers, investigating a security network and reporting any vulnerabilities you find, to help avoid future cyber-attacks. You’ll learn about computer security and use a raspberry pi to deploy your ethical hacking skills. Can you find the hidden weaknesses and help prevent a future cyber-attack?

Coding, IT skills, Analysis, Technology

Digital Detectives

Regency Suite, Queens Hotel

£8.50 per pupil

Could you be a master coder? When someone moves through cyberspace, they leave a trail of information ‘breadcrumbs’ for others to find and use. But what if that person is up to no good? Can you stop them? Put your digital detective hat on with the Lockheed Martin team to learn all about cyber security and predict their next move.

Computer Science, Coding, Data, Physics

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S051

11.15am–12.15pm S052

The STEM World Cup

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Join physicist and former professional footballer Mark Langtry, aka Mark the Science Guy, to uncover the science and technology giving teams the competitive edge at World Cup 2026. From aerodynamics and AI analytics to smart stadiums and wearable tech, explore the innovations revolutionising sports and creating future champions.

Motion and forces, Materials, Technology, Healthy living

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S014

12.45–1.45pm S053 2–3pm S054

Kindly supported by Lockheed Martin

Alien Oceans: Exploring Seas Beyond the Earth

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Plunge into a world of alien oceans with marine scientist Russell Arnott, exploring Europa, Titan, Enceladus and more. Explore how deep-sea robots and under-ice environments on Earth help us imagine life elsewhere. Physics, chemistry, biology and adventure combine in this splashy, inspiring show.

Function of living organisms, Interaction and interdependencies, Evolution, Space physics, Earth and atmosphere

SESSION TIMES

BOOKING CODE 1–2pm S012

Robot Challenge

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£8.50 per pupil

Join IBM in a high-energy challenge where you and your teammates will navigate robots through an evolving obstacle course. You will put your teamwork, logic, maths, creativity, and coding skills to the test as you compete to see which group can finish the course the fastest.

Problem solving, Logic, Coding, Teamwork

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

10–11am S031

11.15am–12.15pm S032

12.45–1.45pm S033 2–3pm S034

Kindly supported by IBM

Operation Enigma

Regency Suite, Queens Hotel

£8.50 per pupil

Step into the shoes of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park and take part in a highstakes mission with GCHQ and CyberFirst Pupils will need to intercept and decode critical intelligence, to uncover and stop a deadly submarine attack.

Coding, physics, Working scientifically and vocabulary

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 10–11am S035 11.15am–12.15pm S036 12.45–1.45pm S037 2–3pm S038

Kindly supported by GCHQ

KS3 Workshops are only bookable as part of a package Workshop size: 25–35 pupils

Am I Normal?

Parabola Arts Centre

£7.50 per pupil

Explore what it means to be ‘normal’ as you investigate the genetics and evolution of our brains with Ginny Smith from Braintastic! Science. Discover how our quirks, traits and diverse ways of thinking make us stronger. Big ideas, creativity, science and live art creation, all in one brilliant show.

Genetics and evolution, Statistics, Mental wellbeing and relationships

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE 11am–12pm S017

Empowering young people to tell the stories they care about through data

TikTok Science

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Can you separate science-fact from science-fiction? Join Jamie Gallagher as we put TikTok experiments to the test and recreate some of social media’s bestloved science stunts. How explosive can Mentos and Coke really be? Can a candle trick grant you infinite wishes? Find out in this demo-packed event.

Energy, Matter, Chemical reactions

How to Book

You can book either of the following:

Option 1. Book individual shows from £7.50 per pupil/child

Option 2. Book a day package: £16 per pupil/child. (Capacity 25–35 pupils for KS3 packages)

Includes: one show, one workshop and a session in one of our Interactive Zones (see p2 for full details)

Package 1 Tuesday 2 June

1. Access to The Arcade 10 – 11am

2. World Cup 11am – 12pm

3. Ethical Hacking 12.45 – 1.45pm

Package 2 Tuesday 2 June

1. Access to The Arcade 10 – 11am

2. World Cup 11am – 12pm

3. Digital Detectives 12.45 – 1.45pm

Package 3 Tuesday 2 June

1. World Cup 11am – 12pm

2. Access to The Arcade 12 – 1pm

3. Digital Detectives 2 – 3pm

Package 4 Tuesday 2 June

1. Ethical Hacking 10 – 11am

2. Access to The Arcade 11am – 12pm

3. Alien Oceans 1 – 2pm

Package 5 Tuesday 2 June

1. Digital Detectives 10 – 11am

2. Access to The Arcade 11am – 12pm

3. Alien Oceans 1 – 2pm

Package 6 Tuesday 2 June

1. Ethical Hacking 11.15am –12.15pm

2. Alien Oceans 1 – 2pm

3. Access to The Arcade 2 – 3pm

Package 7 Tuesday 2 June

1. Digital Detectives 11.15am – 12.15pm

2. Alien Oceans 1 – 2pm

3. Access to The Arcade 2 – 3pm

Package 8 Thursday 4 June

1. Access to The Arcade 10 – 11am

2. Am I Normal? 11am – 12pm

3. Robot Challenge 12.45 – 1.45pm

Package 9 Thursday 4 June

1. Access to The Arcade 10 – 11am

2. Am I Normal? 11am – 12pm

3. Operation Enigma 12.45 – 1.45pm

Package 10 Thursday 4 June

1. Am I Normal? 11am – 12pm

2. Access to The Arcade 12 – 1pm

3. Robot Challenge 2 – 3pm

Package 11 Thursday 4 June

1. Am I Normal? 11am – 12pm

2. Access to The Arcade 12 – 1pm

3. Operation Enigma 2 – 3pm

Package 12 Thursday 4 June

1. Robot Challenge 10 – 11am

2. Access to The Arcade 11am – 12pm

3. TikTok Science 1 – 2pm

Package 13 Thursday 4 June

1. Operation Enigma 10 – 11am

2. Access to The Arcade 11am – 12pm

3. TikTok Science 1 – 2pm

Package 14 Thursday 4 June

1. Robot Challenge 11.15am – 12.15pm

2. TikTok Science 1 – 2pm

3. Access to The Arcade 2 – 3pm

Package 15 Thursday 4 June

1. Operation Enigma 11.15am – 12.15pm

2. TikTok Science 1 – 2pm

3. Access to The Arcade 2 – 3pm

Complete Your Booking Here

2 June

Thursday 4 June

Explore Your Future

Explore our Interactive Zones and meet experts working in aerospace, cyber, design, sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Take part in hands-on activities, ask questions and see how science and innovation are shaping the future, from powering our planet and protecting nature to creating tomorrow’s tech. Discover where your future could take you.

A free Explore Your Future Guide is included in your information pack when you book a Zone. It contains example questions and reflection prompts for students. Simply print it for your class and bring it on the day.

was truly

...all our

were

Key Stage 4

TikTok Science

Main Stage, Town Hall

£7.50 per pupil

Energy, Matter, Chemical reactions

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

1–2pm S005

Explore Your Future

Explore our Interactive Zones and meet experts working in aerospace, cyber, design, sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Take part in handson activities, ask questions and see how science and innovation are shaping the future, from powering our planet and protecting nature to creating tomorrow’s tech. Discover where your future could take you.

Complete Your Booking Here

Booking opens at 4pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026

A free Explore Your Future Guide is included in your information pack when you book a slot in one of the Interactive Zones. It contains example questions and reflection prompts for students. Simply print it for your class and bring it on the day.

This was truly inspiring ...all our pupils were talking about their next steps. Brilliant career pathway event.

Teacher, Gloucestershire

SEND Schools

Amazing Air

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£6 per pupil

How do we know that air is all around us? Join Sarah Bearchell for an interactive, multi-sensory exploration of air. Observe and experiment to prove that air really is there!

Working scientifically, Animals including humans

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

12–12.30pm S001 1–1.30pm S002

SEND providers are welcome to book onto any event in the programme

How to Book

1. Book your session

2. Book your session in one of our free hands-on Interactive zones

(see p2 for full Interactive Zone details) We

Booking opens at 4pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026

We’re committed to providing the best service possible for schools and pupils with access requirements including:

✓ Access to our Learning and Participation team for support before and during your visit

✓ British Sign Language at specific school events

✓ Wheelchair accessible venues on site including Cheltenham Town Hall

✓ A social story sent to schools/HE of our Science Festival site

✓ SEND specific events for Special Educational school settings

Home Educators

Ethical Hacking

Pillar Room, Town Hall

£8.50 per pupil. Suitable for children 9+

Can you find the hidden weaknesses and help prevent a future cyber-attack?

SESSION TIMES BOOKING CODE

2–3pm S030

Home-educating families are welcome to join any of our primary, secondary or SEND shows.

How to book

1. Book your show or workshop

2. Book your complimentary session in one of our hands-on interactive Zones:

- MakerShack

- The Arcade

- The Flight Deck

- Discover Zone

Booking opens at 4pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026

If you prefer, you can book tickets on the day for any available shows at the Box Office.

Please have your ticket ready to show at the door.

Discover More...

Get complimentary access to one of our Interactive Zones as part of your Festival visit by booking onto one of our ticketed shows or workshops.

MakerShack

Explore the material world, bring your imagination and invent your own creations in MakerShack

The Flight Deck

Aerospace

Join GE Aerospace for an exciting journey through engineering and science, with interactive exhibits, activities and challenges. Complete every activity and help inspire the future of sustainability.

The Arcade

Discover Zone

Please make sure children are supervised at all times in our Interactive Zones and events.

Get your game face on and put your skills to the test in The Arcade. Challenge your friends to a fun game in our two-player challenges; make, break and create and discover how you can be a change maker in cyber.

FAQs How to Book

Booking opens at 4pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026

From 4pm you can access the booking form where you can select your preferred choices.

Prices

Show: £7.50 per pupil/child

Workshop: £8.50 per pupil/child

SEND Workshop: £6 per pupil/child

KS3 Package: £16 per pupil/child

Interactive Zones: One FREE session when booked along with one of our ticketed shows or workshops. (subject to availability)

A £5 booking fee for schools and £3 booking fee for Home Educators will be added to the total cost of your order. Tickets for teachers and accompanying adults are free of charge according to the ratio of staff:pupil for your key stage.

Complete your booking using the forms linked below:

What

happens next?

1. We will review your booking form and will be in touch to discuss alternative options if any of your choices are unavailable.

2. You will receive a formal booking confirmation via email. Due to demand, please allow up to five working days for your booking confirmation.

How do we get to the Festival?

The Festival is held on Imperial Gardens near Cheltenham Town Centre.

Full details about arriving , parking, getting to venues and more can be found here.

Where can I find advice for preparing a risk assessment?

Home Educators SEND

3. Please notify us of changes to your numbers as a result of fluctuations in class size by Tuesday 14 April and we will do our best to accommodate these changes.

4. Your school finance office will receive an invoice by Friday 24 April. It is important that this is paid before you attend the Festival.

5. You will receive a ticket document, a site map and an information document with important details about your visit. Please ensure that every accompanying adult has a copy of these documents when attending.

Is there a lunch space?

Information about lunch spaces will be provided in the Information Pack sent to your school before the start of the Festival.

All venues and events are carefully risk assessed. For advice on preparing your own risk assessment for your visit and information about our cancellation policy visit our website

How do we get in touch?

Contact a member of the Learning and Participation Team at education@ cheltenhamfestivals.org

Thank you to our Partners and Supporters

Jason

Robson Trust

The Notgrove Trust

Sedbury Trust