Henry VIII and the Reformation

The Study Day takes place on Wednesday 4 March 2026 from 10.00am to 3.30pm. The welcome and lecture will begin promptly at 10.30am.

Hampton Court Palace was Cardinal Wolsey’s residence before it became one of Henry VIII’s palaces. It served as a backdrop for Henry’s growing infatuation with Anne Boleyn and the related religious and political events that followed. 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 begin the Henrician Reformation. 

This immersive study day includes a keynote lecture and tour of the Tudor apartments, the chance to meet curators and examine artefacts, and a unique opportunity to hot seat Tudor characters who played a key part in the Reformation.  

The Study Day takes place at Hampton Court Palace. Schools will register at the Garden Room. The event will start and end in the Garden Room, but students will explore the Tudor apartments and courtyards and have the opportunity to visit the Tudor kitchens, Tudor Worlds exhibition and palace gardens. 

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  

The Study Day is aimed at Year 12 and Year 13 students studying any relevant A-Level Tudors course. 

Please see exam board links and outline of the day to assess suitability. 

Each school can book a maximum number of 30 students. The teacher:student ratio is 1:15.  

If you wish to bring a larger group, please contact the Schools Team at hamptoncourtlearning@hrp.org.uk.

As spaces are limited, we will keep a waiting list. If you do not require all your tickets, please email us as soon as possible at: hamptoncourtlearning@hrp.org.uk so we can offer the tickets to other schools. 

Your booking is subject to our school visits terms and conditions. Therefore, you must notify us of any changes to your numbers at least six weeks prior to the visit date. If you inform us of any changes within six weeks of the visit, you will still be liable for payment of the full cost of the original invoice.  

Bookings can be made using the online A-Level Study Day booking form. Once submitted, we will confirm your booking via email and provide a tailored itinerary closer to the event date. 

Your booking includes all the Study Day activities and entry to the palace and gardens. Your group will be able to freely explore the palace at lunch time. Please note the palace closes at 4.00pm.

Students and teachers are welcome to bring a packed lunch and to picnic on site in the Garden Room or in our designated outdoor areas. The Tiltyard Cafe and Privy Cafe will be open for students and teachers to purchase take away items or for eating in.

This event will run in any weather condition, so dress appropriately and bring umbrellas if rain is likely.  

For Key stage 5 (16+) = 1:15 

Teachers do not need to accompany students at lunch time. 

We may be filming the keynote lecture but will ensure that only students who have a completed photography/filming consent form will be recorded. 

We endeavour to make the Study Day as accessible as possible. When booking, please let us know the access requirements of your group so we can make any necessary modifications.