School Visits to the Science Oxford Centre
Primary and early years children can experience the excitement of experimenting and making their own discoveries on your school visit to the Science Oxford Centre. Our range of STEM activities are designed to engage and challenge, from the hands-on delights of our Exploration Zone to workshops, shows, pond dipping and guided walks in our 15 acres of woodland. We also have shows for all ages in our inflatable planetarium available for school visits on Thursdays and Fridays.
Science Oxford Centre has been awarded the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom’s Quality Badge, a seal of approval that shows that our primary education programme is of a high standard. The Quality Badge certificate was first awarded in 2019 after the Centre opening, re-awarded in 2022 and again this year, reflecting our continued quality offering.
What does a school visit involve?
School visits run from 10am until 2pm. We can accommodate up to 100 pupils a day, and you can book for 1, 2 or 3 groups from your school, depending on availability. Your visit includes a session in the Exploration Zone plus the choice of two of the following: a Workshop, a Show, or a Woodland Walk.
Pricing
- For the 2026/2027 academic year, school visits cost £11* per pupil, with a group minimum charge of £220*.
- All member schools get a 15% discount.
- We are able to offer discounted prices to schools with a high percentage of children eligible for free school meals. Please see here for details.
- *All prices are subject to VAT.
Watch our videos below to find out what teachers and pupils say about their visits to the Science Oxford Centre.
Before you book, watch our short film showcasing activities in the Science Oxford Centre, or have a look at our Centre map and floor plan to see more about our facilities.
Visitor Information
Important information about your visit to the Science Oxford Centre.
Exploration Zone
In the Exploration Zone, children can create their own experiments, test their own designs and make their own discoveries.
Shows and Workshops
Our shows and workshops are designed to engage children of all ages in creative, challenging, and practical science, using hands-on activities and captivating demonstrations to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.
Find out what teachers and pupils say about their visits
What a wonderful experience we all enjoyed last week, the adults and the children. How fortunate to have access to such a stimulating environment on the door step...
Barton Park School, Oxford
Latest News
Plan a curriculum-linked STEM school trip with ease
Friday 9th October 2026
Science Oxford Centre Lead (Deputy) Bex Williams has done much of the hard work for you to make it as easy as possible for teachers to plan a school trip to the Science Oxford Centre.
Butterfly Wonders
Thursday 17th September 2026
Outdoor Learning Specialist Dan Moden is passionate about butterflies. Reflecting on his first spring and summer exploring wildlife around the Science Oxford Centre, alongside the recently published 2026 Big Butterfly Count results, he shares his observations and insight.
They absolutely loved it. They've been talking about it all week and their parents have said they were talking about it all weekend too. It is the first trip where not a single child said that lunchtime was their favourite bit!
Primary teacher