Full Day

History

Tudors

Elizabethans

KS4

Elizabethan England: Power, Politics and Propaganda KS4

Explore power, politics and propaganda in Elizabethan England through historical evidence, guided enquiry, architecture and portrait analysis at Burghley House.

Package details

  • Time

    Full Day (10am - 2pm)

  • Group size

    Up to 120

  • Price*

    £9 per learner

  • *Free adult entry (within supervision ratios)

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House Drone Tree Avenue
Curriculum links

About this package

How did power operate in Elizabethan England, and how was authority carefully communicated? This full-day GCSE learning experience examines the life and political influence of William Cecil, Elizabeth I’s most trusted adviser and one of the most powerful statesmen of the Elizabethan age.

Set within the remarkable surroundings of Burghley House, the programme offers pupils an immersive and memorable encounter with Elizabethan history, inspiring them to see the period, its people and its evidence in a new way.

Through educator-led interpretation, guided exploration and source-based enquiry, pupils investigate Cecil’s role in government and use Burghley House, its architecture and Elizabethan portraiture as historical evidence. Each session develops critical analysis and interpretation skills while exploring how political authority, wealth, status and public image were constructed and communicated.

How the day works

This package includes four learning sessions, combining different activities, settings and teaching styles across the day. You can explore the individual session pages below to find out more about what each one covers.

We can welcome up to 120 pupils on each visit. To keep sessions engaging and manageable, your school group will be divided into smaller rotation groups of up to 90 pupils. The day will be timetabled so that each group takes part in every learning session during the day.

Learning outcomes

01

Describe the life and career of William Cecil.

02

Explain William Cecil’s role within Elizabethan government.

03

Understand some of the political and religious challenges faced during Elizabeth I’s reign.

04

Recognise how individuals could influence events in Tudor England.

05

Use historical knowledge gained to support investigations.

06

Consider why William Cecil remains a significant but complex figure in Elizabethan history.

07

Explain how Burghley House reflects William Cecil's position in Elizabethan society.

08

Identify how architectural features communicated wealth, status and power.

09

Recognise and explain how Burghley House has changed over time.

10

Use the built environment as evidence when investigating the past.

11

Explain how Elizabeth I's public image was carefully constructed.

12

Identify symbolism used to within Tudor portraiture.

13

Interpret Elizabethan portraits as historical evidence.

14

Use visual evidence to support historical interpretations.

15

Develop confidence in analysing historical sources and interpretations.

16

Analyse how portraits communicated different messages according to their content.

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Planning your visit

How is the day structured?

Your visit will include time for arrival and orientation, toilet breaks, a morning break and lunch break. Indoor or outdoor lunch spaces will be available, depending on the visit and conditions. 

Larger school groups may be divided into smaller rotation groups so that pupils can take part in each session. 

Full timings and practical information will be shared before your visit.

Where will we have lunch?

A range of indoor and outdoor spaces are available for picnic lunches. The location will depend on your visit arrangements and the weather.

What adult-to-pupil ratios are required?

Our required adult-to-pupil ratios for KS4 are 1 adult to 14 pupils.

Adults providing dedicated support for SEND pupils are additional to these ratios.

Visiting school staff and accompanying adults remain responsible for pupil supervision throughout the visit, including during breaks, lunch and activities led by the Burghley Education Team.

Do you provide risk assessments?

Yes. Risk assessments are available for our learning spaces and activities, and we can share the relevant documents with you on request to help with your planning.

These are intended to support your school’s own risk assessment rather than replace it, so visiting schools remain responsible for completing their own assessment and supervising pupils throughout the visit.

Can teachers make a familiarisation visit?

Yes. Once a booking is confirmed, free pre-visits are available for up to four teachers, giving you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the site and complete your risk assessment. Pre-visits must be booked at least two working days in advance with the Education Team.

Can sessions be changed or adapted?

Where possible, our educators can adapt the pace, questioning and delivery of sessions to support the age, existing knowledge and needs of the group. The core content and activities of educator-led sessions will remain as described on the package page. Let us know about any particular requirements when you enquire so we can discuss what adjustments may be possible.

How do I book a visit?

If you'd like to proceed with this package click the Enquire Now button. You’ll be asked to select a preferred date and complete a short enquiry form with details about your group. Our Education Team will then get in touch to confirm availability and explain the next steps. If you'd like to choose an alternative package, return to the package listings, select your package and click the Enquire Now button on that package page.

What happens after we submit an enquiry?

Submitting an enquiry does not immediately confirm the booking. Our Education Team will check availability for your preferred date(s) and package and aim to respond within three working days. After discussing the details of your visit, we’ll send you a booking confirmation form to approve and return, which will secure your booking.

What should pupils bring?

Pupils should bring:

  • A packed lunch and drink
  • Suitable clothing for the weather
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Any medication or personal support items they require

Bag storage is available for school groups, and your arrival information will explain where it is located.

Trusted learning experiences

Why schools choose Burghley

Historic setting

Learning within one of England’s great historic houses and landscapes.

Expert-led learning

Engaging sessions delivered by experienced educators.

Curriculum-linked visits

Learning experiences tailored to Key Stage and classroom topics.

Accessibility support

Supporting a wide range of access and learning needs.

Practical visit facilities

Coach parking, lunch spaces, toilets and bag storage included.

Risk assessments provided

Supporting documentation available to assist with visit planning.

Interested in this package?

Select your preferred date and complete our enquiry form to tell us about your group. Our Education Team will be in touch to confirm availability for this package and guide you through the next steps.

Enquire now

Need more information?

Contact us

If you have any questions about schools visits, please don't hesitate to get in touch: 

education@burghley.co.uk 01780 761 996

Accessibility

Find practical information about accessibility at Burghley to help you plan your visit.

Accessibility information >

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Stamford
Lincolnshire
PE9 3JY

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