Frequently Asked Questions
We hope that we have answered your query below, but if not, do just get in touch with us directly.
Where can I find out about the Picturehouse Education Programme? What can we watch?
You can browse our programme of screenings and talks for Primary Schools and Secondary Schools & Colleges on this website. If you
sign up for our newsletter, we will keep you updated about our programme throughout the year.
We are also able to arrange a screening of a film of your choice - old or new (as long as it has been out in the cinema for at least 8 weeks) - on a weekday morning. Find out more about organising a private hire for your students in our "
Private Hires" section.
How do I request a booking?
Please use
this form to submit your details, and we'll be in touch to arrange your visit. Please allow up to five working days for us to respond.
Can I book to bring my students to see a new release? Can I bring a school group to a public screening?
Unfortunately we are unable to arrange schools' screenings of new release films at discounted rates, but we may be able to arrange a private screening of a new film at the regular ticket price for the cinema in question if your group is large enough.
Otherwise, you will need book to attend a public screening via the Picturehouse customer service team on 0871 902 5747. School bookings for public screenings are limited to one class.
When will you know what films are playing as part of your public programme?
The film programme is booked on a week-to-week basis to ensure that we offer the best and most up-to-date titles. Generally we can only confirm our public programme a week in advance.
Can we bring our own snacks?
We regret that no outside food or drink (apart from bottled water) is permitted in our cinemas. We are able to arrange a drink and popcorn combo for £2.20 each for private screenings and End Of Term Treats. We tend not to offer snacks for events with a speaker, to minimise distractions.
How can I pay?
School groups will need to pay for their cinema trip in person on the day of their visit, by cheque/card/cash. When we confirm your booking, we will raise an invoice and send it to you to enable you to raise the payment - please let us know at the time of booking if you will need a purchase order included on the invoice.
We apologise that we cannot take BACS payment or payments over the phone.
How long does it take to make a booking?
We require a minimum of 10 working days to arrange schools' screenings. This gives us enough time to book the film from the distributor, arrange for a slot within the cinema programme, schedule staff to run the event and complete the administration such as raising your invoice.
What time of day can school groups watch a film?
We are able to arrange private screenings for school and community groups starting between 9.30am and 10.30am, Mon-Fri (subject to availability). Unfortunately, we are unable to organise private screenings later in the day or on weekends or bank holidays, as this is when we have our public screenings.
Are there age restrictions on certain films?
Yes, the BBFC give an age certificate to every film released in the UK. We are unable to screen any films to under-age students, even for private screenings. For more information on ratings, visit the
BBFC website.
Is there wheelchair access?
Yes, we have wheelchair access in all of our cinemas. Please let us know your access needs when making your initial enquiry so we can allocate a wheelchair space for you and ensure we programme the event into the most accessible screen.
I'm only bringing a small group, why is it so expensive per student for a private hire?
We have to hire each film that we show from the film's distributor, and they charge a minimum fee. So unfortunately for groups smaller than 65 students the cost per ticket will be higher. We have to charge a minimum of £260 so that we can cover these costs.
At 65 students (65 x £4.00 = £260.00) we have covered the minimum fee (plus the additional costs such as the delivery of the film, a member of staff to run the event etc) and so can just charge £4.00 per pupil.
