Holocaust Centre North to offer free education for primary and secondary students

The Holocaust Centre North is due to become the first Holocaust education centre in the UK offering a free learning programme to primary and secondary schools, with its latest initiative due to launch in September at the start of the next academic year.

The exhibition and learning hub, based at the University of Huddersfield, tells the powerful true stories and histories of survivors and refugees who made new lives in the north of England, including Leeds, Manchester, Huddersfield, Liverpool, Hull and Bradford

Now, thanks to the support of the Association of Jewish Refugees and other major donors, HCN has made its syllabus open to all students in Years 5 and above, with the programme designed to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of the causes, consequences, legacies and atrocities of the Shoah.

Through vital “living history” collections and archive materials, students will learn about the history of the Holocaust through the personal stories of survivors and refugees who made new lives in their local northern communities.

The offer of free education for primary and secondary students in Years 5 and above is available to schools and colleges for the academic year 2026/27.

The University of Huddersfield also offers financial support towards coach costs as part of its travel subsidy scheme.

Hannah Randall, head of learning at Holocaust Centre North, said: “This is the first time we have been able to make our learning programme fully accessible to all schools and colleges, which means that more students will be able to engage with our unique and proven learning programme.”

She added: “We know the power that good Holocaust education can have to challenge stereotypes and build students’ sense of citizenship in their communities. By embedding Holocaust education within the local community of the north of England, we can help students create meaningful connections to local history whilst challenging all forms of prejudice and discrimination.”

AJR chief executive Michael Newman told Jewish News: “AJR was proud to provide a grant that helped support the creation of Holocaust Centre North and has continued to support the Centre since its inception. We are delighted to continue that relationship through funding that will help widen access to Holocaust education for school pupils.”

He added that the support “reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that young people can engage meaningfully with Holocaust history and its contemporary relevance. The AJR is pleased to support this important work as part of our broader mission to preserve Holocaust memory and strengthen Holocaust education for future generations.”