Residentials

Child jumping into the sea at Land & Wave in Dorset

The benefits of banning phones from school trips

2024-02-20T12:36:00+00:00

Teachers have shared the positive impact that a ‘technology-free’ residential had on their pupils at Land & Wave in Dorset. 

Pakeman Primary School students on their Outward Bound experience

Watch: Pakeman Primary School pupils interviewed about residential

2024-02-20T09:50:00+00:00

This moving video features interviews with children at Pakeman Primary School in north London about the impact the experience had on them. 

Cirencester Deer Park School, Gloucestershire at UKSA in the Isle of Wight

Cirencester Deer Park students experience first ever residential thanks to UKSA

2024-01-17T16:03:00+00:00

Cirencester Deer Park School in Gloucestershire has seen some of its students experience their first ever residential as a result of funding from UKSA.

Children collect eggs during a stay at one of the Farms for City Children farms

Schools can win a Farms for City Children residential in sustainability competition

2024-01-16T08:50:00+00:00

Grow24 is a cross-curricular competition aimed at primary students which focuses on their connection with nature and sustainability.

Kingswood

Resilience-building fencing sessions to be rolled out across Kingswood sites

2024-01-15T12:38:00+00:00

Outdoor education group, Inspiring Learning, has launched a new partnership with British Fencing to deliver fencing sessions across its 11 Kingswood sites which are designed specifically to build resilience among young people.

Kelvin Grove Primary School students taking part in a Farms for City Children residential

A school’s experience of a Farms for City Children residential

2023-12-27T01:48:00+00:00

Katie Campbell, year lead and class teacher at Kelvin Grove Primary School, London, describes the impact a residential with Farms for City Children had on pupils. 

Two schoolgirls carry out field work with the Field Studies Council

Field Studies Council: celebrating 80 years and 3.7 million student visits

2023-12-19T16:49:00+00:00

The UK’s leading environmental education charity is celebrating its 80th anniversary having welcomed more than 3.7 million students through its doors.

A group of teenagers in front of their tents in the Welsh countryside

Are classrooms the enemy? Outward Bound Trust CEO on the Let Us Out campaign

2023-12-06T11:06:00+00:00By

Chief executive of The Outward Bound Trust, Martin Davidson, on why they’ve launched the Let Us Out campaign for residentials. 

A group of students help a teenage girl up on the low level ropes course at a Conway Centre residential

5 reasons for schools to visit the award-winning Conway Centres

2023-11-14T14:17:00+00:00Sponsored by

With over 45 years of experience, the Conway Centres are experts in providing unique residential visits for schools across the UK. 

PGL

PGL unveils Breakthrough Fund to support schools with residential costs

2023-11-09T16:31:00+00:00

Outdoor adventure centre provider PGL will launch a Breakthrough Fund to give pupils the chance to benefit from residential outdoor learning trips, irrespective of their financial situation.

Hammersmith Academy students tackle a rocky river as part of their Outward Bound residential in the Lake District

How an Outward Bound Trust residential improved confidence

2023-10-18T09:11:00+01:00

We hear from Hammersmith Academy about their transformative Key Stage 3 Outward Bound residential in the Lake District.

A group of young people hold banners and flags supporting the Let Us Out campaign to make outdoor residentials part of the school curriculum

200 children summit mountains in call for curriculum changes

2023-10-10T11:12:00+01:00

More than 200 young people joined the Protest in the Peaks calling for outdoor residentials to be made part of the school curriculum. 

University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection

University of Edinburgh campus offers pupils the perfect base to explore

2023-09-04T01:37:00+01:00Sponsored by

Summer Stays at the University of Edinburgh offers a campus lifestyle to educational and sports groups seeking facilities to sleep, eat, learn and train.

A girl balances on a canoe as part of an outdoor residential adventure with The Outward Bound Trust

Campaign to make outdoor residentials part of the curriculum

2023-08-07T12:03:00+01:00

The educational charity has united with three politicians to make residential outdoor learning part of the curriculum across the UK. 

Woodrow High House, London

Duke of Edinburgh celebrates outdoor learning at London residential centre

2023-07-17T07:16:00+01:00

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited Woodrow High House, one of two London Youth residential centres, to meet with local school children as part of his patronage of the charity and to celebrate the importance of learning outside the classroom.  

Conway Centres' Tattenhall location

Conway Centres: Adventure awaits at four sites across Cheshire and North Wales

2023-06-29T13:07:00+01:00Sponsored by

With four centres across North Wales and Cheshire, we look at why schools choose Conway Centres for making life-long memories with their pupils. 

Munich, Germany

9 overseas locations which are ideal for educational visits

2023-05-03T08:38:00+01:00

Here are nine popular overseas locations for schools which cover a wide variety of topics for all ages. 

Quick Jump is one of the many activities available at PGL’s newest site.

PGL transforms former police HQ into activity centre

2023-05-03T08:18:00+01:00

Students can stay at the converted police headquarters in North Yorkshire, reopened by education activity centre provider PGL. 

The Garden Classroom, Winter Residential

Case Study: creating friendships on a residential with The Garden Classroom

2023-04-04T14:09:00+01:00

The Garden Classroom shares how they brought together children from north east London for their Winter Residentials.

Kingswood

Kingswood unveils ‘hardship fund’ to finance educational visits

2023-01-24T11:32:00+00:00

Outdoor residential provider Kingswood has launched a bursary to provide funded places on school trips for children from families who would not otherwise be able to cover costs.

YHA Wye Valley

YHA to inspire pupils with immersive nature experiences

2022-11-07T06:48:00+00:00

The ground-breaking Generation Green project, launched by YHA to connect young people with nature, has led to the introduction of two experiences which immerse pupils in the natural world.

Voyager School Travel

French tutors coming to England to immerse students in the language

2022-11-01T16:35:00+00:00

Education and travel provider, Voyager School Travel, is offering a French language immersion programme, which will see instructors travel across the Channel to inspire English students.

Halsbury Travel

Case Study: exploring space travel and history in Belgium

2022-10-19T15:35:00+01:00

Royal Liberty School in Romford were keen to get travelling again after the last couple of years, so decided to arrange a cross-curricular school trip to Belgium. Here’s a round-up of their exciting experience.

Halsbury Travel

Schools can save thousands with new multi-trip loyalty scheme

2022-09-13T08:05:00+01:00

Halsbury Travel is offering schools the opportunity to save money on residentials across the globe with a multi-trip loyalty scheme which offers larger savings the more trips you book.

UKSA, Isle of Wight

‘Woodland and Waves’ residential programme launched on the Isle of Wight

2022-08-26T06:16:00+01:00

Pupils will be able to experience a variety of both land and water-based activities across two residential centres on the Isle of Wight, thanks to a new partnership between UKSA and Inspiring Learning.

WST

Combine an activity residential with educational visits as part of WST offer

2022-07-12T13:39:00+01:00

School tour operator WST has revealed a variety of adventure school trip packages which combine an activity-led residential, with the sights and attractions of the surrounding areas. 

Ultimate Adventure Centre, Bideford, North Devon

Devon’s Ultimate Adventure Centre joins Inspiring Learning

2022-04-19T13:05:00+01:00

Outdoor education provider Inspiring Learning has announced that the Ultimate Adventure Centre (UAC) in Bideford has joined the group’s list of outdoor education campuses. 

YHA Ironbridge Coalbrookdale

YHA network fully reopens to schools thanks to Culture Recovery Fund

2022-04-07T15:51:00+01:00

YHA (England & Wales) has fully reopened its network of youth hostels following the lifting of Covid restrictions and a grant of almost £1 million from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.  

Kingswood

Kingswood says now is the time for pupils to experience an adventure

2022-03-23T12:57:00+00:00Sponsored by

Activity provider and School Travel Awards winner Kingswood explains why now is the perfect moment to take learning outside the classroom.

The Towers, Wales

Active Learning Group plans new outdoor learning centre in Snowdonia

2022-02-28T15:11:00+00:00

Specialist education company Active Learning Group has announced its third centre, The Towers, which will offer a range of mountain-based activities and experiences for young people.

Walsall Academy, Outward Bound

It’s back to the Lake District for Walsall Academy

2022-02-08T09:37:00+00:00By Jon Clarke

After Walsall Academy in Bloxwich won the ‘My Best School Trip’ Award in 2021, shadow headteacher Jon Clarke put the prize money to good use and ran another successful residential in the Lake District where a group of Year 8 students found a sense of achievement and awe about the ...

Bablake School at Arete Outdoor Centre

Case Study: ready for action and new challenges

2021-12-29T10:58:00+00:00

Andy Wright, headteacher at Bablake School in Coventry, explains how a residential experience motivated his students to push boundaries by trying new and challenging activities.

Rishi Sunak meets pupils at YHA Grinton Lodge

Chancellor Rishi Sunak sees £2.5 million Generation Green project in action

2021-12-07T12:28:00+00:00

Chancellor Rishi Sunak visited YHA Grinton Lodge in his Yorkshire constituency to meet primary school pupils benefiting from a Generation Green-funded residential.

Active Learning Centre Sealyham

Active Learning Centre to open in Pembrokeshire

2021-11-26T14:48:00+00:00

Active Learning Centre will open its second outdoor site in Pembrokeshire in the autumn of 2022, bringing coastal and woodland residential learning experiences to children.

Residential activity

School tour operators and attractions share their hopes for the future

2021-11-23T12:02:00+00:00

We asked specialist residential centres, school tour operators and attractions what their hopes are for the future as the UK emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Interski school trip

8 simple steps for booking a school ski trip

2021-11-23T09:25:00+00:00

Robert McIntosh shares his top tips for booking a successful ski trip. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of organising one for your students, read on.

Sea.Change Foundation, UKSA

Case study: Tile Cross Academy on their trip to the Isle of Wight

2021-11-02T14:54:00+00:00

Tile Cross Academy in Birmingham shares its recent experience at the UKSA’s Sea.Change Foundation course on the Isle of Wight. 

Kingswood

Kingswood unveils offer for schools to win residential trips

2021-09-14T08:49:00+01:00

Leading activity provider Kingswood is inviting schools to make an enquiry and be entered into a draw which will see one in 25 schools enjoying a residential for free, as a way of saying “welcome back”. 

Mount Cook Adventure Centre

Mount Cook Adventure Centre on making the most of the school year ahead

2021-09-01T10:31:00+01:00Sponsored by

Let’s face it, 2020-2021 has been a hard time for residentials, for schools and residential centres. The good news is that many teachers are looking ahead to 2022-2023 and planning fantastic trips for their students.

Kingswood

​Summer residentials can help smooth the transition to secondary school

2021-07-19T09:20:00+01:00

A week away from home on a residential stay during the summer holidays could help children feel more confident about the prospect of transitioning from primary to secondary school in the autumn, says outdoor education provider Kingswood.

Gavin Williamson speaking in Commons

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson highlights the value of school residentials

2021-07-07T10:18:00+01:00

MP Gavin Williamson has highlighted the “real value” of school residentials when quizzed in the House of Commons about the education and school travel sector.

Children exploring the woods

Teachers tell School Travel Organiser how visits can re-energise the ‘why’ of education

2021-07-07T10:08:00+01:00

Some of our readers have been in touch to tell us how they see school visits and learning outside the classroom as key to re-engaging children after the last year. 

School trip

School trips abroad get the green light from the autumn term

2021-07-07T10:01:00+01:00

Updated guidance from the Department for Education from Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap gives schools the go-ahead to take school groups on trips abroad that have previously been deferred - and they can also plan new international visits. 

The Bioasis

Post-apocalyptic school adventure ‘The Bioasis’ welcoming bookings

2021-06-22T14:25:00+01:00

’The Bioasis’ is described as a new post-apocalyptic adventure, set in 2074 in a secret location in the south west of England, giving schools across the country the chance to escape the classroom. 

Hiking on a residential

Boris Johnson confirms residential trips are allowed in England

2021-05-11T10:32:00+01:00

Residential visits can go ahead in England with schools now able to book future trips, the Government has confirmed. 

Mill on the Brue

Calls for more guidance about resuming residentials from 17th May

2021-04-21T13:04:00+01:00

Residential providers have said they are gearing up to welcome school groups back from 17th May but are awaiting further guidance from the Department for Education. 

Kingswood

Education providers on why outdoor activities are key to reducing stress

2021-04-20T13:04:00+01:00

Outdoor adventure specialists, Inspiring Learning, are encouraging more children to engage in outdoor activities as a way of helping to reduce the nation’s rising stress levels.

Outdoor education at Ashbridge School

Deputy headteacher shares future trip plans and support for outdoor education

2021-04-07T11:55:00+01:00

Arthur Wood, deputy headteacher of Ashbridge Independent School in Preston, Lancashire, tells us about the trips his school has planned this year and why we must pull together to support the outdoor education sector. 

Field Studies Council Adventure at Castle Head in Cumbria

DfE announces dates for when school trips and residentials can resume

2021-03-27T09:23:00+00:00

The Department for Education (DfE) updated the guidance for England stating that day visits can restart from stage two of the roadmap, no earlier than 12th April, with residentials resuming no sooner than 17th May. 

UKSA

“School trips should be allowed in the summer”, open letter to the Prime Minister states

2021-03-18T15:43:00+00:00

In the letter sent to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, outdoor education experts, celebrities and others highlight the serious impact of the pandemic on the industry.

Children exploring the woods

Teachers on why school trips will be invaluable to rebuilding children’s confidence

2021-03-09T15:12:00+00:00

With the future looking more promising for school trips to resume, teachers have spoken about how school visits and learning outside the classroom can help children after a disjointed time away.

Shelter building at Camp Wilderness

Explorer Ed Stafford on the importance of adventure for children’s self-development

2021-03-08T14:58:00+00:00

British explorer Ed Stafford has spoken about why it is vital that children experience adventure outdoors and reflects on his own school trips as a youngster. 

Artists impression of the new UKSA centre in Cowes, Isle of Wight

UKSA unveils plans for Isle of Wight accommodation project

2021-03-08T13:01:00+00:00

A new 136-bed accommodation centre has been approved in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, enabling an additional 3,000 children to visit UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) every year.

Kingswood

Boris Johnson responds to question about the reopening of outdoor education

2021-02-24T08:46:00+00:00

Boris Johnson said he “would have thought” that outdoor education should be able to open at the same time as schools return on 8th March. 

Cumulus Outdoors

Cumulus Outdoors on how they have adapted to support schools throughout the pandemic

2021-02-08T15:16:00+00:00

Activity providers, like Cumulus Outdoors and many others, have had to adapt to changing government advice at short notice. Director of the provider, Tom Campbell-Hill, shares their approach and plans for this year.

Mull of Galloway, Scotland

School trip memories: chief executive of the Field Studies Council recalls a Scottish adventure

2021-01-26T10:48:00+00:00

Mark Castle, chief executive of the Field Studies Council, expands on his own childhood trip to the Mull of Galloway in Scotland. 

Children creating pavement art

School trip memories: headteacher shares the impact of her own residential trip

2021-01-13T14:35:00+00:00

We hear from Clare French, headteacher of Kendall CE Primary School in Colchester, about her residential visit to Wicken House when she was a youngster and why it had such a long-lasting impact.

UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes

The importance of outdoor education and why we must have a plan for reopening

2020-12-21T12:30:00+00:00

The CEO of the UK Sailing Academy (UKSA), Ben Willows, writes about the impact of the ban on residentials and why it’s crucial there is a plan for reopening.

Kids climbing

DfE recognises “enormous benefits” of residentials amid hopes for Easter 2021 restart

2020-12-02T08:50:00+00:00

The Department for Education has concluded its review into the guidance against overnight educational visits with a possibility of them resuming from Easter. 

Walsall Academy's Outward Bound residential

'My Best School Trip' finalist 2020/21: Walsall Academy

2020-11-24T16:33:00+00:00

24 targeted Key Stage 4 pupils from Wallsall Academy took part in this residential at the Outward Bound Trust’s Ullswater Centre in March 2020.

Tim Farron, MP, speaking in Parliament

MPs urged to support #saveoutdoored campaign as the issue is raised in Parliament

2020-11-13T14:57:00+00:00

Teachers, parents and people from across the outdoor education sector are being encouraged to ask their local MPs to help back the campaign to save the sector.

Field Studies Council Adventure at Castle Head in Cumbria

“Support our sector or face a lost generation of learners” says the Field Studies Council

2020-10-29T12:18:00+00:00

The Field Studies Council (FSC) has said that thousands of students could become part of a lost generation of learners unless England and Wales follow Scotland’s lead in financially supporting outdoor learning centres.

#saveoutdoored

More support to save school trips & outdoor education as the DfE agrees to a review

2020-10-21T09:55:00+01:00

Teachers, providers, TV personalities and MPs continue to add their voices to the campaigns to #SaveOurSchoolTrips and #saveoutdoored, and we banged the drum through our Oct / Nov edition.

TV presenter & adventurer Paul Rose

TV presenters Kate Humble & Paul Rose give their support to school visits

2020-10-21T09:42:00+01:00

Adventurers Kate Humble and Paul Rose have given their support to school visits as a generation of young people risk missing out on experiences.

Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD)

How Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development has been adapting residentials

2020-10-13T09:31:00+01:00

Louise Edwards, manager at Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD), on converting residentials and a refocus on outdoor learning.  

Rye Harbour Discovery Centre

Outdoor education sector urges Boris Johnson to “allow overnight school trips”

2020-10-05T12:12:00+01:00

The UK Outdoors group is writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to highlight the impact of the ongoing ban on overnight educational visits. 

Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre

School Travel Forum’s #SaveOurSchoolTrips campaign highlights value of visits

2020-09-23T13:19:00+01:00

The School Travel Forum (STF) has launched the #SaveOurSchoolTrips campaign urging teachers and others to add their support in helping the school travel sector.

Field Studies Council new digital programme

Digital fieldwork lessons aim to help GCSE and A-Level students

2020-09-21T11:17:00+01:00

A programme of digital fieldwork courses to support teachers and students is being launched by outdoor education charity, the Field Studies Council (FSC).

Halsbury Travel

Halsbury Travel explains what school trips will look like in 2021

2020-09-07T00:01:00+01:00Sponsored by

After the coronavirus pandemic brought school trips to an abrupt halt in March 2020, school tour operator Halsbury Travel explains what to expect in 2020/21.  

Kayaking in Cataluna, Spain

Spain awaits you: a look at why it’s the ideal destination for schools in the future

2020-09-01T11:38:00+01:00Sponsored by

Looking ahead, Spain ticks all the boxes and more when it comes to immersive cross-curricular school trips. Here’s why.

Child holding a globe

School Travel Forum wants to ensure schools are ‘In Safe Hands’ when residentials restart

2020-08-28T09:53:00+01:00

School Travel Forum has commissioned a new report, ‘In Safe Hands’, which will outline the protocols needed to be put in place by schools and tour providers to ensure pupils and teachers can travel with confidence when the time is right.

School children on a set of high ropes

Petition puts pressure on government to reconsider schools residentials ban

2020-08-10T12:19:00+01:00

An online petition is calling for teachers and school trip providers’ support to put pressure on the Government to allow residentials to restart. 

FSC primary pupils explore nature outdoors

Field Studies Council’s chief executive urges the PM to allow residential school trips

2020-07-27T16:29:00+01:00

The Field Studies Council’s (FSC) chief executive has written to the Prime Minister asking him to rethink school guidance for the autumn term and to consider allowing overnight residential trips.

Greenwood Academies Trust

Academy trust chief on reconnecting pupils to outdoor learning, day trips & residentials

2020-07-17T12:13:00+01:00

Wayne Norrie, chief executive of Greenwood Academies Trust, explains why they’re committed to giving the children access to outdoor learning and residential visits as soon as they can. 

Residentials encourage children to take a leap of faith

School travel sector urges Government to open up residential experiences

2020-07-14T10:43:00+01:00

A number of providers and associations in the school travel sector have asked the Department for Education to allow residential trips to resume from the autumn term. 

Walsall Academy shadow headteacher Jon Clarke (left) on a trip

Teacher Jon Clarke reflects on 12 months of school travel

2020-07-02T06:21:00+01:00By John Clarke

Jon Clarke, shadow headteacher of Learning Away Champion School Walsall Academy, reflects on the last 12 months and how things have changed. 

Children building a den

Hardship fund should be available for schools that have had trips cancelled

2020-05-26T11:36:00+01:00

A coalition of not-for-profit school residential and educational providers has said more needs to be done to ensure that outdoor learning isn’t forgotten about. 

Essex Outdoors

How Essex Outdoors can help with your adventures

2020-04-17T10:22:00+01:00Sponsored by

Essex Outdoors has been offering pupils an activity-fuelled escape from the classroom for more than 50 years, remaining popular with teachers across the UK. Here’s how the team can offer you an exhilarating school trip. 

Walsall Academy's Outward Bound residential

Case Study: The benefits of a winter residential

2020-03-24T16:49:00+00:00

Jon Clarke, shadow headteacher at Walsall Academy, reflects on an Outward Bound winter residential in January, challenging his pupils’ physical and mental strength while powering through Storm Brendan. 

Field Studies Council

Climate change residential launching for Key Stage 5 students

2020-01-17T15:23:00+00:00

Based at FSC Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae in Scotland, the latest course from the Field Studies Council is aimed at pupils in higher education.

Iain Stewart

TV presenter Iain Stewart urges Geography teachers to become storytellers

2019-12-17T12:03:00+00:00

The professor encouraged teachers to push the ‘wonder’ of the outdoors while speaking at a Field Studies Council (FSC) conference. 

Hiking on a residential

Study confirms the profound impact of residential trips on students

2019-11-07T14:09:00+00:00

Improved wellbeing, motivation and engagement are just some of the findings from the study, conducted by the University of Cumbria.

Mill on the Brue (5)

Planning a residential? Here are some top tips to help you from those in the know

2019-09-18T15:59:00+01:00

There’s never been a better time to start planning a residential trip for your students, but with so much to consider, where do you start? Here are some handy tips and essential advice from those in the know - centres & providers - to help you along the way. 

YHA Liverpool Central

New YHA hostels for school groups visiting Liverpool & Newcastle

2019-08-12T09:27:00+01:00

The YHA has announced it has opened two new hostels in Liverpool and Newcastle, allowing pupils to stay overnight at an affordable price.

Essex Outdoors

Action-packed adventures guaranteed with Essex Outdoors

2019-07-19T00:00:00+01:00Sponsored by

Essex Outdoors prides itself on making sure that all its school groups have amazing experiences and develop life-long memories whilst staying at its centres. 

Log cabin residential at High Ashhurst

How to evaluate residential trips and make the most of your findings

2019-06-13T10:10:00+01:00By

You’ve been on a fantastic school trip but back in the classroom it’s soon forgotten…sound familiar? Peter Carne, Learning Away Ambassador, looks at why it’s essential to evaluate your residentials, how to do it, and how you can use your analysis. 

Blenheim Estate Schools group

The Bushcraft Company to offer new school camping trips at Blenheim Estate

2019-05-27T10:06:00+01:00

The Blenheim Estate has linked up with The Bushcraft Company to offer pupils three to five-day residential camping experiences in Oxfordshire.

Kingswood

Kingswood team leader on how residentials can help the Primary-Secondary transition

2019-04-19T09:08:00+01:00

David Czerwinski, schools programmes team leader at outdoor residential and activity provider, Kingswood on how to ease the pressure with residentials. 

The Outward Bound Trust

Prince Philip hands over patronage of Outward Bound Trust

2019-03-20T15:20:00+00:00

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has handed over his patronage of The Outward Bound Trust after 65 years of service.

Students from St John's C of E school on a trip to the Isle of Wight

One school’s journey from inadequate to number one

2019-03-01T11:40:00+00:00

After being voted number one school in Surrey, Shannon Clark spoke to St John’s C of E Primary School’s head teacher Mark Richards to find out what part learning outside the classroom had in their transformational journey.

Two girls on a Field Studies Council Adventure at Castle Head in Cumbria

FSC to run new Adventure Residentials in 2019 for Primary schools

2019-02-20T08:00:00+00:00

Selected Field Studies Council (FSC) centres are offering Primary schools the chance to give their pupils a wild adventure, in real environments, this year on its new residential activity school trips.

Our Lady’s Catholic High School water activity

Reaching their potential: Outward Bound Trust

2018-12-17T15:25:00+00:00

Our Lady’s Catholic High School in Preston sent a group of Year 9 pupils on a residential to the Outward Bound Trust’s outdoor education centre.

Adventure activity at Oaker Wood

Bonding through adventure: Oaker Wood Leisure

2018-12-04T15:21:00+00:00

Oaker Wood is a highlight for Year 6 at the Wyche CE Primary School in Malvern.

Learning outside

Embracing every opportunity

2018-11-19T15:29:00+00:00By

Kim Somerville on some of the School Travel Awards finalists who embrace opportunities. 

Stamford Welland Academy school trip to Aberdovey outdoor education centre

Leaps and Bounds: Outward Bound Trust

2018-10-18T16:05:00+01:00

A “wild camp”, cooking over fire, using axes to chop wood and a veto on mobile phones, enabled a group of students to connect with nature and each other.

Upland Primary School in Bexleyheath

‘My Best School Trip’ winners’ prize trip: Upland Primary School in Bexleyheath

2018-09-07T08:52:00+01:00

Upland Primary School in Bexleyheath won last year’s ‘My Best School Trip’ Award. Headteacher Beth McKenzie reports back on what they did with the £1,500 prize money.

Pupils building a shelter

The importance of residentials for Primary schools

2018-09-06T12:33:00+01:00

Keith Browning, head of Braeside Education Centre in Devizes, Wiltshire, speaks about how residentials are even more important for Primary-age pupils.

Zipline

The power of residentials

2018-08-11T12:40:00+01:00

Teacher John Dabell on residential as a rite of passage. 

Skern Lodge

Improved facilities and new activities at Devon outdoor centre

2018-08-07T15:01:00+01:00

Learning education and adventure provider, Inspiring Learning, has acquired Skern Lodge in Devon, promising investment in facilities and activities on offer.

Kids canoeing

Getting involved in LOtC

2018-07-20T12:59:00+01:00

He’s head of Scout Adventures, and the new chairman of the Learning Away Consortium. Asa Gurden tells us how he got involved and why the Brilliant Residentials campaign is so important.

Student from Moorside Primary School

Teacher Talk: Mission possible

2018-07-09T09:54:00+01:00

Jonathan Whitwell joined Moorside Primary School in Lancaster five years ago as deputy headteacher and Year 6 teacher. 

Outward Bound Trust

Outward Bound Trust highlights generous funding offering

2018-07-03T11:45:00+01:00

The Outward Bound Trust has revealed that in 2017, 80% of its educational participants were given funding in order to help them pay for their trip.

Circle of Life Rediscovery camps

Close to nature: Circle of Life Rediscovery

2018-06-26T14:39:00+01:00

Circle of Life Rediscovery camps offered the opportunity for participants from Tiffins School in London to camp overnight in a woodland away from home, for some it was the first time. 

Students from Buckland Primary School

Teacher Talk: The key to confidence

2018-06-25T17:02:00+01:00

Barry Cook, Year 5 teacher and PE and outdoor learning lead at Buckland Primary, talks to STO about the importance of teaching kids outside of the classroom.

Woman rock climbing

Benefits of residentials for teachers

2018-06-11T14:09:00+01:00

Many students say that residentials are the most memorable experience of their time at school. But how often do we hear about the many positive impacts they have on the adults participating? Peter Carne, the national adviser for Learning Away, describes some of the benefits of taking part in a residential for teachers and other staff in schools. 

YHA

Making the most of your school trip

2018-05-29T11:10:58+01:00

Jamie Walls, Product Development Manager of Youth Hostel Association (YHA) shares with us his top tips for getting the most out of your next school trip.

Mary Driver

Teacher Talk: A driving force for LOtC

2018-05-18T17:22:00+01:00

After leaving university Mary Driver initially went to the William Ransom School for two weeks as a supply teacher - and has now been there for 36 years. 

Marina Robb

Q&A with Circle of Life Rediscovery

2018-05-09T11:58:49+01:00

We talk to Marina Robb, director of educational organisation at Circle of Life Rediscovery, who says that outdoor learning provides life changing experiences.

Kate Humble speaking at the Learning Beyond the Classroom Conference in Surrey

Inspiring Learning Beyond the Classroom conference in Surrey

2018-05-09T09:33:18+01:00

Primary school teachers and outdoor education coordinators were inspired at the Learning Beyond the Classroom Conference.

Developing English language

Developing English language and communication in Primary school children

2018-05-03T10:41:21+01:00

We look at ways to develop spoken and written English in Primary aged pupils through learning outside the classroom.

Pupil Ruby Edwards on the zip wire

Lessons in laughter: Yenworthy Lodge

2018-05-01T15:16:00+01:00

In Year 6, children from Harwell Primary School have a week’s residential stay at Yenworthy Lodge, an outdoor activities centre set in six acres of woodland within the Exmoor National Park in Devon.

Credit YHA

YHA offers selection of packages for schools

2018-04-25T10:54:00+01:00

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has a variety of hostels across the UK and provides different packages for outdoor learning experiences.

Circle of Rediscovery

Circle of Life Rediscovery offers outdoor learning sessions for teachers

2018-04-25T10:45:23+01:00

The outdoor learning organisation has a number of teacher and educational leader-based events coming up this year, which provide those with the skills to carry out good LOtC practise with their schools.

Rooftop Rider Zip Wire

Mount Cook to open new rooftop zip wire

2018-04-23T12:17:00+01:00

Mount Cook Adventure Centre, a centre for activity trips and residentials, has unveiled Derbyshire’s first rooftop zip wire which will officially open on 7th May.

Kingswood

Kingswood expands offering with improved centre

2018-04-16T11:32:00+01:00

Residential organisation, Kingswood, has revealed its £1million investment in Grosvenor Hall adventure centre in Ashford, Kent.

National Experience Week

Five valuable experiences gained from school trips

2018-04-10T14:13:00+01:00

To mark National Experience Week this week, we take a look at some of the most treasured experiences school pupils can take away from school travel.

Summit Centre

Rock UK opens new adventure centre in South Wales

2018-03-23T10:20:00+00:00

This summer, Rock UK Adventure Centres will open its brand new outdoor activity centre in Wales, taking its total number of centres up to four.

World Rugby Museum

Teaching Physical Education beyond the classroom

2018-03-20T11:09:00+00:00

School Travel Organiser looks at different ways to get pupils interested in Physical Education, from specialist museums to sporting tours.

Students during a raft building experience

Teacher Talk: Shaking things up

2018-03-19T17:19:00+00:00

Dan Sayers, headteacher of Independent School St Hilda’s Primary School in Harpenden, shares his passion for school trips and learning outside the classroom.

Brilliant Residentials

Learning Away to offer CPD materials for residentials

2018-03-05T15:19:27+00:00

Campaigning group, Learning Away, has revealed a new set of ‘Brilliant Residentials’ Continued Professional Development (CPD) materials available to teachers.

Credit Conway Centres

School residential a success despite heavy snowfall

2018-03-02T14:44:27+00:00

Residential organisation, Conway Centres, has revealed images of a recent school trip which took place during the 'beast from the east' as it's becoming known.

School Children running

Evidence revealed on the impact of residential trips

2018-02-07T11:23:00+00:00

The results of a six-year research study into the impact of school residentials were unveiled at an event at the National Geographical Society in London. STO was there to hear all about it.

Paddle boarding

Making a splash: UKSA

2018-02-06T14:20:00+00:00

Making a splash - in some cases for the very first time - resulted in a group of Grimsby students returning to the classroom brimming with new-found confidence.

Kate Humble

Kate Humble to speak at Learning Beyond The Classroom Conference

2018-01-17T11:17:59+00:00

Television presenter Kate Humble has been announced as a key note speaker at this year’s conference which aims to inspire outdoor learning.

Poll reveals importance of outdoor education

Bohunt Education Trust poll highlights importance of outdoor education

2018-01-17T10:27:00+00:00

A survey commissioned by the Bohunt Education Trust (BET) has revealed that people want a greater focus on outdoor learning for schoolchildren.

Credit YHA

Campaign launched to promote equal opportunities for school trips

2017-12-19T15:20:00+00:00

A new campaign called Every Child Should has been launched in the UK and aims to promote making school trips, residentials and travel accessible to all children.

Nower Wood centre

Nower Wood Education Centre awarded LOtC badge

2017-10-17T12:02:00+01:00

Surrey Wildlife Trust has been awarded the LOtC Quality Badge for its new outdoor education centre at Nower Wood.

My Best School Trip Award

My Best School Trip finalists revealed

2017-10-09T14:26:00+01:00

Following a successful judging day held in London, five finalists have been selected for this year’s ‘My Best School Trip’ Award.

Artist impression of The Sill

YHA opens a new youth hostel

2017-09-29T14:58:41+01:00

YHA’s brand new flagship Youth Hostel in Northumberland National Park is now taking bookings.

Learning Away

Study reveals too many children miss out on residentials

2017-09-29T10:21:00+01:00

A recent study, carried out by Learning Away, has revealed that far too many children are missing out on potentially life-changing residential experiences.

%23WinterResidentials

Learning Away launches Winter Residentials campaign

2017-09-28T12:18:38+01:00

Campaigning group, Learning Away, has launched its new campaign, #WinterResidentials, which will encourage more life-changing experiences for young people.

Kirk Ella St. Andrew’s Community Primary School Eskdale Youth Hostel trip 2017

‘My Best School Trip’ winners set off for Cumbria

2017-08-25T14:54:00+01:00

The winners of last year’s ‘My Best School Trip’ Award have spent the prize money on two trips to Eskdale Youth Hostel… yes, two!

Winter Residentials.

Campaign will highlight the benefits of school residentials

2017-07-11T16:53:00+01:00

Learning Away will launch a #WinterResidentials campaign to raise awareness about the benefits of residentials during the winter months.

Battlefield Live

Case study: Battlefield Live

2017-07-03T09:48:20+01:00

STO finds out about Bishop's Blue Coat CoE High School's annual trip to Battlefield Live in Knutsford.

Norfolk Lakes

Manor Adventure to open new Norfolk sports centre

2017-06-05T10:03:22+01:00

Activity company, Manor Adventure, has added a new sports centre to its list with the Norfolk Lakes Adventure Centre.

Short sightedness%3B another reason to get kids out of the classroom

Short sightedness; another reason to get kids out of the classroom

2017-04-06T10:46:00+01:00

Record numbers of children are now developing short sightedness; teachers have got more reason than ever before to get their pupils outside.

James from Arthur Terry School

Pupil Perspective: How outdoor education has helped me

2017-04-04T14:36:35+01:00

STO talks to James, a Year 12 student, about the impact outdoor education has had on his life.

A writer at Totleigh Barton%2C Devon

Develop pupils’ Creative Writing skills on a residential

2017-03-08T11:12:03+00:00

STO finds out about Arvon, a company that offers residentials to help pupils advance their Creative Writing skills.

Kingswood.

Residentials; what are the benefits beyond fun?

2016-01-27T11:33:21+00:00

School Travel Organiser takes a look at some of the benefits of residential trips and in particular Kingswood, a residential organisation located at ten different sites, which offers school groups a range of activities to support learning outside the classroom.

Butlin%E2%80%99s launches learning adventures by the sea %7C Butlins Caistor May 2015

Butlin’s launches learning adventures by the sea

2015-12-08T10:41:15+00:00

Butlin’s has entered the educational market by offering tailor-made, residential beachside breaks to schools.

The East Front of Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle reveals Medieval themed lodges for 2016

2015-12-04T10:36:50+00:00

Up to 16 new lodges will be available for school groups to stay in next year at Warwick Castle.