The Horniman offers a small number of work experience placements to school learners each academic year.
Six of these placements are allocated to learners through targeted local partner schools and colleges as part of the Horniman’s commitment to widening access to Museum careers to young people from diverse backgrounds.
A further three placements are available for learners in Years 10-13 (or equivalent) who are in full time education, to apply for via the online forms below.
These placements are hosted by the Formal Learning Team, but you will also gain experience with other departments. Work experience placements will be allocated by the strength of applications, providing we are able to cater for your desired experience areas and that you meet the following eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria
- You are in Years 10-13 (or equivalent)
- You are in full time education in the UK
- You are available to take part in a 1-week placement during one of the following periods: 7 September – 23 October/ 2 – 20 November/ 11 January – 12 February/ 12 April – 14 May/ 7-25 June
- You are happy for the placement to be arranged through the Careers Lead at your school or college
Please note we are only able to consider applications made through the online forms. Email and phone call applications cannot be considered.
We can receive over 100 applications for each available placement, with the summer term being the most competitive, so we advise exploring other options alongside your application. Applicants will find out whether they have been successful no later than 2 weeks after the closing date for each academic term.
If you would like to hear more about volunteering opportunities for young people in full time as these become available, please sign up to our mailing list. We send 1-2 emails a year and you can unsubscribe via the link at the bottom of the email at any time.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but would still like to gain experience of museum careers, you can find out about current volunteering opportunities.
Museum staff also participate in careers fairs and outreach workshops to share their experience of working in the cultural sector. Please contact us at schools@horniman.ac.uk or more information.
Application Forms
Autumn term
If you would like to apply for a 1-week work experience placement in the autumn term 2026 (7 September – 23 October or 2-20 November) please complete this online form by Monday 15 June 2026.
Spring term
If you would like to apply for a 1-week work experience placement in the spring term 2027 (11 January – 12 February or 23 February – 25 March) please complete this online form by Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Summer term
If you would like to apply for a 1-week work experience placement in the summer term 2027 (12 April – 14 May or 7-25 June) please complete this online form by Sunday 31 January 2027.
