The Big Dip for Schools
Explore UK fishing heritage in the classroom with our free KS1 and KS2 activity packs.
Find out how your primary school can support fishermen.
Make a splash in the playground this autumn!
The Big Dip takes place between 5 to 11 October. People across the UK and Channel Islands will be dipping in harbours, beaches, rivers, pools … even tubs in the garden. All to to raise vital funds for the people who bring food to our tables.
Schools choosing to take part in the fundraising element can set up tubs or paddling pools to dip! Last year, staff at Shakespeare Primary School took to the school field for a chilly paddling pool dunk, much to the absolute delight of their cheering pupils!
Why are we looking for dippers?
Fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in the UK, and incomes are often low and unpredictable. One cancelled trip, bad weather, accident or illness can quickly lead to crisis.
The funds you raise through dipping will help us provide emergency grants, welfare outreach, mental health support, and bereavement care during times of hardship.
Free KS1 and KS2 classroom packs
New for this year, schools can register interest in the Big Dip and receive free downloadable curriculum-linked resources for KS1 and KS2.
Staff can also choose to take part in a fun Big Dip challenge to raise funds for fishermen and their families. Some schools will combine the classroom activities with a simple sponsored dip, but there’s no obligation to do so!
The free classroom packs include a wealth of optional activities, fun learning sheets, and videos for teachers to choose from. The packs cover:
- UK fishing history and heritage
- Life at sea
- Food chains
- Fish identification and anatomy
- Parts of a boat
- UK port locations
- Sea shanties
We’ll also send templates for creating a classroom/assembly room ‘shoal’ display board, and our magical ‘Wish for Fish’ children’s story, written for the Fishermen’s Mission, and packed with fishing history facts.
We can arrange a free interactive Zoom session with the Wish for Fish story author for your pupils, with a couple of fun activities and a chance for learners to ask questions.
If you’d like to receive the free classroom packs, simply register your interest in the Big Dip 2026 via the form at the bottom of the page.
How to take part
Step one: choose your Dip
Use large tubs or paddling pools in the playground or a school hall for willing teachers and staff to take the dip!
You could run it:
- During break time
- As part of an assembly
- At the end of the school day
Step two: fundraise
Press the button below to set up your free Big Dip fundraising page. Then share it to start gathering sponsorship ahead of the challenge!
We’ll send you imagery and text for your school newsletter and social media pages.
Anyone who sets up a page is sent an official Big Dip wristband as a thank you for taking part.
Step three: do your Dip
It’s time to take the plunge! Get it done anytime in the first week of October 2026.
If your school learns the sea shanty from our classroom pack, pupils can enjoy a hearty sing‑along before teachers and staff take on their chilly challenge.
Feel free to shout about it!
Share your dipping photos on social media and make sure to tag us on Facebook and Instagram. Use #TheBigDip2026 if you post.
Do not feel obligated to share photos online, especially when they show children.
Keeping it safe
We at the Fishermen’s Mission take no responsibility for anything that happens during your Dip. However, we do have some safety tips for schools:
What happens next?
Register your interest with the form below and we’ll send your free classroom pack as soon as it becomes available. We’ll also keep you updated with Big Dip fundraising resources, ideas and key dates ahead of October 2026.
Register your interest and receive your free KS1 & KS2 Big Dip Schools Pack
"*" indicates required fields