A-Level Study Day
Wednesday 4 March 2026 10am-3.30pm
Step into the heart of Tudor power and politics with our Henrician Reformation study day, tailored for Year 12–13 students studying relevant Tudors A-Level exam board specifications. This is a unique opportunity to explore the dramatic events that led to Henry VIII’s break with Rome and the dawn of the English Reformation—all within the historic setting where much of it unfolded. This immersive day offers a powerful blend of scholarship and storytelling in one of England’s most iconic royal residences.
A palace at the centre of change
Hampton Court Palace served as a backdrop to some of the most pivotal moments in Tudor history. Through expert insight and hands-on experiences, students will examine the people, pressures, and politics that shaped Henry’s decision to sever ties with the Roman Catholic Church and redefine England’s religious landscape.
What's included:
- Keynote Lecture and Q&A on Thomas Cromwell and the Reformation by Dr Tracy Borman, Chief Historian of Historic Royal Palaces.
- Expert-led interactive tours of the Tudor apartments, exploring the key events, ideas and people behind Henry’s break with Rome.
- Curator Conversations - Discover how curators use buildings and artefacts to unlock stories from the past — and ask your own questions.
- Meet the Tudors - Interact with costumed presenters portraying key figures from Henry VIII’s court. Ask them about their roles in the break with Rome and the events that followed.
- Self-Guided Exploration - Wander through the Tudor kitchens, the special exhibition ‘The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms’, and the stunning palace gardens at lunchtime.
Learning objectives
This immersive study day is designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and bring aspects of Tudor history vividly to life for A-Level students. Through direct engagement with the spaces, stories, and sources of Hampton Court Palace, students will:
- Experience history where it happened, fostering empathy and a lasting passion for the Tudor period.
- Strengthen their knowledge of:
-The Henrician Reformation and its far-reaching impact
-The evolving power of the monarchy under Henry VIII
-The key individuals and ideas that drove religious and political change
-The causes and consequences of the Reformation
-The complex interplay of religious, social, political, and economic factors in The Henrician Reformation - Critically evaluate evidence, exploring the strengths and limitations of historical sites, artefacts and written sources
Exam board links
- AQA,1C: The Tudors: England, 1485–1603, Part One.
- AQA, 2D: Religious Conflict and the Church in England, c1529-c1570, Part One: the break from Rome, c1529-1547.
- OCR A, Y106: England, 1485–1558: the Early Tudors.
- OCR A, Y306: Rebellion and Disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603.
- Pearson Edexcel,1B: England, 1509–1603: authority, nation and religion.
- WJEC, Unit 1, period study (AS): Government, rebellion and society in Wales and England, c.1485-1603.
Outline of the day
10.00 - Arrival and sign in at the Garden Room.
10.30 - Welcome briefing.
10.40 - Keynote lecture and Q&A - ‘Cromwell and the Reformation’, Dr Tracy Borman.
11.50 - Activity 1 – Interactive tour or activity carousel*.
13.00 - Lunch time and free time to explore the palace.
14.00 - Activity 2 – Interactive tour or activity carousel*.
15.15 – Plenary in the Garden Room.
15.30 - End.
*activity carousel includes: Curator Conversations, Meet the Tudors and a visit to the Tudor Worlds exhibition to look at key Reformation related exhibits.
Booking information
The theme and content of this event is different to the 2025 pilot study day and there is now a charge per student.
Spaces are limited to 200 people.
Let us know as soon as possible (and at least 6 weeks prior to the event) if you are unable to attend or do not require your full allocation, to avoid be charged. We may be able to offer these spaces to schools on our waiting list.
For tours and the activity carousel, students will be in put into groups of 25-30. Therefore, your students may be asked to join a group with students from other schools and/or your group may be split up.
Price
Students:
- Age 16-18 (KS5): £10.00
Teachers and adults:
- Adults up to our 1:15 ratio: Free
- Additional adults: £25.80
- Adults for 1:1 assistance: Free
