Schools Across the UK to Commemorate 80th Anniversary of VE Day
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The 80th anniversary of VE Day will be marked on 8 May 2025, signalling eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe. This year’s commemorations provide a unique opportunity to connect younger generations with this pivotal chapter in history. According to a blog post by the Department for Education’s Education Hub, through personal stories, community events, and educational resources, we can ensure that the significance of VE Day and the sacrifices made during those challenging years are remembered and understood.
What is VE Day and When Was It?
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On 8 May 1945, people in Britain and across the world celebrated Victory in Europe, now known as VE Day. This marked the unconditional surrender of Germany and meant an end to nearly six years of war. As the Education Hub notes, some people celebrated early, with many in Britain beginning festivities as soon as they heard the news on 7 May. After years of wartime restrictions and dangers, many were finally able to let loose and enjoy themselves. The day became a public holiday, with parties on the streets across the nation, running late into the night. Villages, towns, and cities were decorated with flags and bunting.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed a crowd of thousands from the balcony of the Ministry of Health in Whitehall. The future Queen, Princess Elizabeth, secretly joined in the festivities, while servicemen, servicewomen, and civilians from Britain, the USA, and other Allied Nations celebrated together in a day of unity. As the Education Hub states, “This year’s commemorations provide a unique opportunity to connect younger generations with this pivotal chapter in history.”
How Can Schools Celebrate VE Day and What Resources Are Available?
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The Imperial War Museum has launched a new schools resource for KS2 learners, titled “VE 80: Learning from Letters.” This resource, highlighted by the Education Hub, can be used ahead of VE Day, as well as on the day, to explore themes around the ‘when,’ ‘what,’ and ‘why’ of VE Day. It will help students understand the significance of VE Day, using a broad range of sources from the Imperial War Museum’s collection to explore Victory in Europe and how the consequences of the Second World War reached beyond VE Day itself.
The resource includes links to eyewitness videos, providing an engaging insight into the memories of people who experienced VE Day in 1945. A letter writing workshop included in the resource invites pupils to write or draw their own responses to what they have learned about the wide variety of themes covered. As the Education Hub notes, “Whether you focus on a single source, use several together or even all 12, the stories of real people will offer insight and inspiration to be used in the workshop activity.”
The Education Hub also highlights another resource, “Our Shared Story,” which is a collection of educational resources to support young people to engage with VE Day 2025 80th anniversary commemorations, both inside and outside the classroom. This pack includes a range of curriculum resources for any school to use alongside activities or events relating to the VE and VJ Day 80 commemoration. It includes real experiences of sailors, soldiers, pilots, and the children who were evacuated, as well as those who stepped in to support the efforts at home.
How Else Is the Imperial War Museum Commemorating VE Day 2025?
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As part of the celebrations and commemorations taking place across the UK, Imperial War Museums has developed a range of family-focused activities and learning resources. On Monday, 5 May 2025, families and communities are invited to join the Imperial War Museum at their family hubs at IWM London and IWM North. The Education Hub reports that visitors can enjoy street party activities, including interactive workshops on paper hat making, paper flower making, and paper plate portraiture, as well as games for children.
Additionally, on Monday, 5 May 2025, IWM London will host a live performance of songs from the 1940s to the present day, sung by a collection of local London choirs. This performance, organised in collaboration with Sweet Track Productions, will evoke the unique blend of relief, celebration, sadness, and community felt across the country 80 years ago, as the Second World War in Europe came to an end.
Conclusion
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The 80th anniversary of VE Day provides a significant opportunity for schools to engage with this pivotal chapter in history. With a range of educational resources and activities available, schools can ensure that the significance of VE Day and the sacrifices made during those challenging years are remembered and understood. As the Education Hub notes, “This year’s commemorations provide a unique opportunity to connect younger generations with this pivotal chapter in history.” By utilising these resources and participating in commemorative events, schools can help to ensure that the legacy of VE Day continues to be celebrated for generations to come.
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