By Ollie Murray, JCA Regional Account Manager
Bringing nearly nine years of experience within the company, starting with our sister brand SkiBound, Oliver has a passion for creating unforgettable moments for students and schools. He particularly values seeing the positive impact JCA residential trips have on young people – watching their confidence grow and witnessing the life-changing experiences that unfold throughout the week.
So, when is the right time to pack a bag, wave goodbye, and let pupils blast off into their first JCA adventure away from home?
Drumroll please… The truth is: there isn’t just one “perfect” age. For some, it’s Year 4 (ages 8–9) when they’re ready for that first taste of independence. For others, it’s later in primary or even the start of secondary school, when resilience and curiosity are bubbling away like an overexcited campfire.
Let’s break it down.
Ages 8–9 (Year 4): The First Taste of Independence
Think of Year 4s as little Paddingtons: full of curiosity, ready for adventure, but still slightly chaotic when it comes to keeping track of socks.
Why it works:
- They’re ready for short stints away from home.
- Activities are fun, safe, and confidence-building.
- They learn teamwork in a way the classroom can’t quite deliver.
For many schools, this is the “toe-dip” moment. A first leap into independence – with plenty of handholding and encouragement.
Ages 9–10 (Year 5): The Golden Middle
Year 5 is often the sweet spot. These pupils are like Bandit from Bluey – playful, cheeky, but wise enough to give bigger challenges a go.
Why it works:
- They’re confident enough for climbing walls, canoeing, and problem-solving games.
- Social skills are sharper; they learn to live and laugh with peers in new settings.
- They’re still full of wide-eyed wonder – every activity is epic.
Many schools see Year 5 as the “just right” age for a first residential. Big enough to be brave, small enough to still believe in the magic of mud.
Ages 10–11 (Year 6): The Rite of Passage
For Year 6s, the residential often feels like the cherry on top of primary school. It’s the big finale before the move to secondary.
Why it works:
- Strengthens friendships before everyone scatters to new schools.
- Builds confidence and resilience for the step up to Year 7.
- Creates unforgettable shared stories.
“I would definitely recommend for year 6 children – an amazing experience that they will never forget! Some of the children wanted to stay and do more! The children’s comments: the sailing was the most fun! The instructors were really friendly and nice. The accommodation was lovely and clean.“
Wicklea Academy
Ages 11–13 (Years 7 & 8): Starting Secondary Strong
Here’s the thing: not every pupil gets to go on a residential in primary school. And even if they do, a secondary trip is a whole different beast – in the best way.
Why it works:
- Helps new classes bond quickly at the start of secondary.
- Supports wellbeing by building confidence in a new environment.
- Gives pupils the chance to show different sides of themselves (the quiet child might be the star at raft-building).
Think of it as a reset button: new friendships, new confidence, new memories.
So… What’s the Best Age?
Honestly? Anywhere between 8 and 16 can be the perfect time – it all depends on your group’s needs.
What matters more than age is:
- Readiness – Is your group ready for a night or two away from home?
- Support – Do you have trusted adults and experienced instructors by their side?
- Purpose – Is the trip about confidence, bonding, leadership, or all of the above?
A child’s first residential is never really about the activity itself. It’s about that first spark of independence, the laughter around the campfire, the teamwork on a climbing wall, the memory that sticks forever.
Whether it’s Year 4’s joyful splash, Year 6’s rite of passage, or Year 7’s bonding adventure – the best age is the one where pupils are ready to grow, explore and (yes) get spectacularly muddy.
Lock in your 2026 adventure today! The best dates always go fast, so secure your place early and give your pupils something unforgettable to look forward to. Future you (and your class) will be glad you did. Enquire now online or call us on 01273 647 200.
