RIBA National Schools Programme
In November 2018, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) launched the UK’s first nationwide architectural learning programme aimed at schoolchildren.
The National Schools Programme will partner schools with RIBA Architecture Ambassadors – architectural professionals who volunteer their time to deliver creative and curriculum-linked workshops for children aged 4-18.
The Programme, which is provided free-of-charge to schools, is part of an educational drive to increase the interest children have in the world of architecture, design and the built environment.
A variety of workshops is to be offered by the Programme, matched to the individual needs, resources and interests of each school by, for example, exploring the local area and key issues affecting the community.
The launch follows a pilot phase that engaged with 18,000 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, in more than 200 English schools. 349 Ambassadors contributed their time and expertise, and the RIBA is now calling for architects to engage with the new nationwide programme.
RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said:
"The RIBA believes that everyone has a part to play in shaping their built environment, and we are committed to empowering young people through this nationwide programme. The huge enthusiasm and commitment of the individual architects and their practices in giving their time to make this programme possible is impressive. We are proud that our pilot project has already reached 18,000 young people, all over the country, and we look forward to inspiring thousands more.”
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.