VE Day commemorates Germany’s unconditional surrender and the end of World War II in Europe. The announcement that the war was over was broadcast to the nation via radio on the evening of 7th May 1945 and a national holiday was declared for VE Day on 8th May.

VE Day 2025 marks the 80th anniversary since the end of the war in Europe with celebrations and commemorative events taking place across the country.

Schools can sign up for Our Shared Story, a collection of education resources to help students connect with the stories and experiences of all those affected by the war. The resources include:

• I’ll Remember: Discovering the Stories of VE and VJ Day – a new song composed by Simon Haw MBE for pupils to learn and perform as well as a digital time capsule of documentary films, Q&A sessions and learning resources for pupils of all ages from the Royal British Legion (available from 1st May).
• Learning Through Letters – a learning resource aimed at KS2 pupils that explores the end of WWII through personal stories and objects from the Imperial War Museum’s collections. Each source will include questions to consider and a workshop activity using sources and personal stories as inspiration.
• The Next Morning – a year-long, nation-wide creative writing and oracy programme from the National Theatre that aims to connect the stories and hopes of young people from 1945 with those of young people today. The programme is aimed at pupils in KS3- 4 and will launch on 7th May. The project includes in-school workshops and assemblies led by National Theatre practitioners, free teaching resources, a platform for student voices and subsidised tickets for performances of Dear England in local theatres.
• VE Day 80 Immersive – a web-based augmented reality experience that will transport students back to 8th May 1945 to experience history firsthand.
• VE Mail – A letter-exchange activity for KS2-3 pupils. Schools can request a letter from a living WWII Veteran to enable pupils to gain first-hand insights into what VE Day meant in 1945. Pupils are then invited to write back with their own thoughts and reflections. Register by 8th May to take part.
• Bunting templates.

Cost: Free with registration.