The Historical Association

The Historical Association The Historical Association is an independent charity incorporated by Royal Charter. Today there are over 45 branches across the UK.

Established in 1906, the HA continues to support the teaching, learning and enjoyment of history at all levels. With over 10,000 members the HA is the major national organisation representing the case for an historical education to policy makers and ministers.

Disabled peoples could be found across the British Empire; at the same time, the process of colonisation could create fo...
16/09/2026

Disabled peoples could be found across the British Empire; at the same time, the process of colonisation could create forms of disability, while the concept of ‘disability’ became embedded in discourses of race and gender. In her article in the latest edition of The Historian, lecturer Esme Cleall demonstrates how thinking about disability is essential to understanding the past, especially the history of empire.

The Historian is the HA’s flagship general interest magazine, offering in‑depth yet highly readable history written by leading experts alongside unique research from HA members. It is free to HA General members.

To find out more about membership: https://www.history.org.uk/membership/info/historian

Can storytelling help children embed historical knoweldge? Absolutely!Our new three-part webinar series, Embedding Histo...
16/09/2026

Can storytelling help children embed historical knoweldge? Absolutely!

Our new three-part webinar series, Embedding Historical Knowledge Through Story, explores how powerful storytelling can build knowledge, capture pupils’ attention and bring the primary history curriculum to life.

Across three practical sessions, we’ll explore why story is so powerful for learning, where storytelling fits into the primary history curriculum and how to become a more effective historical storyteller.

📅 Starts 3 November | 💻 Online

👉 Find out more and book your place: Embedding Historical Knowledge Through Story

Congratulations to Willowcroft Community School who have this week achieved a silver history Quality Mark from the Histo...
15/09/2026

Congratulations to Willowcroft Community School who have this week achieved a silver history Quality Mark from the Historical Association! 🎉🎉

Teaching history means constantly learning. Whether you're grappling with a new topic, looking for fresh classroom appro...
14/09/2026

Teaching history means constantly learning. Whether you're grappling with a new topic, looking for fresh classroom approaches, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of the topics you teach, having access to trusted support can make all the difference.

With HA membership, you'll find year-round opportunities to build your confidence and subject knowledge through:

📚 Primary History and our extensive archive of articles

🎧 Over 450 history podcasts and a growing library of short courses

💻 Live and on-demand CPD led by history education specialists

📖 Practical resources and guidance to support classroom practice

From ancient civilisations to local history, membership helps you stay inspired, informed and connected to a wider community of history educators.

Because the more confident we feel in our own knowledge, the more we can help children develop a love of history too.

Find out more about membership and support available throughout the year: https://www.history.org.uk/membership

The Great Debate is the HA’s annual public-speaking competition for school years 10-13. Students have 5 minutes to prese...
10/09/2026

The Great Debate is the HA’s annual public-speaking competition for school years 10-13. Students have 5 minutes to present a prepared speech arguing their answer to an assigned question. The question for 2027 is:

‘How does your local environment help us to understand national and global histories?’

Everyone lives somewhere, and how that somewhere has changed or remained the same tells a story. The physical landscape, buildings, people-based communities, wildlife and plant life, employment and industry are all elements that may contribute to a local environment, and those different components help to create a story of our societies and world. Those stories may go well beyond our own individual localities helping us to understand how our countries, nations and global communities have developed over time.

To answer the question above we would like students to focus on an aspect or group of elements from their local environment that can lead to a greater understanding of national or global history. How a student chooses to interpret the term ‘local environment’ can be small or wide, what we want to hear about is the way they have reached their conclusion to answer the question, the research and sources they have used and why they have chosen that topic to address the question.

The winner and runners-up of the competition will receive a cash prize. All finalists will also receive free student membership of the Historical Association.

Regional heats will be taking place across the UK. These dates are now live on our website.

The Historical Association is delighted that Rayburn Tours (Rayburn Tours ) is the official sponsor of the Great Debate 2027.

The British Museum’s once in a lifetime exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry opens tomorrow. While everyone scrambles for t...
09/09/2026

The British Museum’s once in a lifetime exhibition of the Bayeux Tapestry opens tomorrow. While everyone scrambles for tickets, why not delve into the latest research on the Normans and their world with our short course starting on 29 September!

The World of the Normans, offers a fresh perspective on one of the most influential periods in European history. Bringing together leading UK-based scholars, it moves beyond the familiar story of 1066 to explore the wider Norman world – from the politics and culture of Edward the Confessor’s court to Norman expansion across the British Isles, southern Italy and the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re fascinated by the Bayeux Tapestry, curious about the realities behind Norman myths, or keen to engage with the latest historical scholarship, this course offers the opportunity to explore this pivotal period in greater depth.

You might even learn some unknown facts to impress your friends and family for when you visit the British Museum exhibition!

This course is free to all current HA members and charged at £90 (including VAT) for non-members.
https://historical-association.cademy.io/ha-short-course-the-world-of-the-normans?trk=instagram

History subject leaders wear many hats.One day you're reviewing curriculum progression, the next you're supporting colle...
09/09/2026

History subject leaders wear many hats.

One day you're reviewing curriculum progression, the next you're supporting colleagues, updating resources, planning CPD or helping pupils engage more deeply with the past.

That's why HA membership is designed to support you throughout the year, not just when a challenge arises.

From Primary History and our extensive article archive to subject leader guides, webinars, podcasts, short courses and curriculum support, membership gives you access to trusted, subject-specific advice whenever you need it. Whether you're new to leadership or an experienced practitioner, you'll find support for curriculum development, staff CPD, subject knowledge and classroom practice.

This year, members can also access new curriculum review support, updated schemes of work, fresh subject leader guidance, author films for pupils and a wide range of training opportunities designed specifically for primary history.

Because strong history teaching starts with confident, well-supported teachers.

How does your department or school invest in subject-specific professional development throughout the year?

Find out more about membership: https://www.history.org.uk/membership/info/primary

Happy International Literacy Day! 📖Educator and Young Quills judge, Steven Kenyon explores the importance of historical ...
08/09/2026

Happy International Literacy Day! 📖

Educator and Young Quills judge, Steven Kenyon explores the importance of historical fiction as part of good history education in his latest article in Primary History. He examines historical fiction’s current role and, in this National Year of Reading, identifies a few of the best examples that can enhance the teaching of history, covering EYFS right up to upper Key Stage 2. He explains why these are superb examples that can enhance any history curriculum.

https://www.history.org.uk/publications/resource/11466/developing-a-love-of-history-through-historical-fi

Primary History is the UK’s leading magazine for primary history educators, offering expert insights, practical teaching ideas, and curriculum support from EYFS to Key Stage 2. It is free for all Primary HA members.

Books pictured are: Black Powder by Ally Sherrick and The Baker by the Sea by Paula White.

thenationalyearofreading

How can non-fiction strengthen history learning?It's International Literacy Day, so it's the perfect time to revisit our...
08/09/2026

How can non-fiction strengthen history learning?

It's International Literacy Day, so it's the perfect time to revisit our recent Primary History summer resource on using non-fiction in the history classroom.

The right non-fiction books can do more than support reading. They can build historical knowledge, develop critical thinking and help children engage more deeply with the past.

This practical resource explores how to choose high-quality texts, spot potential misconceptions, and create more inclusive book collections that reflect diverse histories and experiences. It also includes recommended books for Key Stages 1 and 2, resource audit tools, and advice for strengthening your classroom provision.

📚 Includes:

• Practical guidance on selecting and using non-fiction

• Recommended texts for KS1 and KS2

• Resource audits and inclusive approaches to history

Take a look: Primary History Summer Resource 2026: Non-fiction

07/09/2026

History is more than a subject. It’s a lifelong conversation.

For nearly 120 years, the Historical Association has championed the study and enjoyment of history. Today, our members include students, history enthusiasts, local historians, academics, teachers and lifelong learners united by a shared curiosity about the past.

With membership you can gain access to expert-led webinars and short courses, thought-provoking articles, podcasts and resources, plus a nationwide network of branches hosting talks, events and discussions throughout the year, all while supporting the HA’s important work as an independent education charity.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, discover new perspectives, connect with fellow history lovers or simply enjoy exploring the past, membership opens the door to a vibrant community and a wealth of historical insight.

Join us and be part of a community passionate about understanding the past and shaping the future of historical study.

Tap the link in our bio to find out more.

Historians HistoryCommunity LifelongLearning LoveHistory HistoryMatters

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