Give your students space to grow and take on new challenges
A JCA secondary school residential gives young people the chance to step up, push themselves and discover what they’re capable of.
Adventure, teamwork and real-world learning come together in a safe, structured and confidence-boosting environment.
25+
Years delivering school residentials
1:12
Instructor to student ratio
8
Essential skills with our Skills Builder programme
The Skills Builder programme
Add our Skills Builder programme to your JCA secondary school residential. Built on the Skills Builder Universal Framework, each activity targets three named skill steps – agreed with you before you arrive – so you can show real progress back at school.
Communication
Listening and Speaking – following safety briefings, sharing ideas and speaking up in group decisions.
Creative problem solving
Problem Solving and Creativity – cracking team challenges and finding a new way through when plan A fails.
Self management
Adapting and Planning – staying on track, managing nerves and adjusting when things change.
Collaboration
Leadership and Teamwork – taking the lead, supporting others and succeeding as a group.
Learning outside the classroom
Our programmes are fully accredited under the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge scheme. New places spark new thinking – our centres turn wide-open spaces and woodland into real-world classrooms, where students put skills into practice and bring what they learn back to school.
Real-world learning
Hands-on challenges that put problem solving, communication and leadership into practice.
10 core learning outcomes
Every centre works towards clear outcomes – from confidence and wellbeing to skills for life.
Environmental awareness
Woodland trails and eco-based challenges that get students thinking about their impact.
Specialist watersports
Nationally recognised 2–3 day programmes at Croft Farm Waterpark, building practical skills and water-safety awareness.
Tailored to your secondary school group
Every group is different, so your programme should be too. Mix indoor and outdoor challenges that build confidence, teamwork and motivation – with inclusion at the heart of every session.
- A huge range of on-site activities
- Sessions shaped around your learning goals
- Instructor-led support throughout
- Safe, structured environments for teens
Support for trip organisers
Planning a residential can feel like a lot – but you’re not doing it alone. Our experienced team will guide you from first enquiry to final headcount. Every secondary booking includes:
1:12 instructor ratio
A dedicated instructor per 12 students (up to 15 for some sessions).
Full board
All meals included, with dietary needs catered for.
Full insurance
Comprehensive cover included as standard.
Teacher documentation
Risk assessments and paperwork ready for you, plus expert customer support.
Parent Packs
Posters and PowerPoints to help you promote the trip.
Easy payment plans
Flexible instalments that make it simpler for families.
Popular with secondary groups
Browse all activities
High Ropes Course
Children are introduced to climbing in a thrilling, fun and safe way with various challenges to conquer.
High Aerial Trek
Condover Hall’s Aerial Trek gives children of all abilities a series of fresh rope climbing challenges.
Climbing
Young climbers will each get the chance to reach the summit while being encouraged from their peers.
Zip Wire
Children will fly through the air like a monkey swinging under a forest canopy on JCA’s fun zip wire at Condover Hall.
Abseiling
Take to the abseiling tower and get the adrenaline pumping as you commando jump your way to base.
Axe Throwing
A target-striking sport similar to archery, in which participants throw axes at a circular wooden target.
Archery
Young archers will develop concentration, self-discipline and co-ordination in full safety at one of JCAs centres.
Initiative Exercises
Children will learn to think outside the box with these outdoor learning initiative exercises.
Survival
Children will be provided with a survival scenario, which will require them to quickly establish priorities.
Orienteering
Young outdoor explorers will practice map skills as groups navigate around the JCA site.
Laser Conquest
Taking place in a giant inflatable arena, participants must roam around the area searching for the opposition.
Fencing
Children will be encouraged to develop concentration, discipline and agility through fencing instruction.
What teachers say
“
Our pupils absolutely loved Croft Farm. The instructors were patient, friendly and fantastic with nervous beginners.
“
Brilliant tuition and a really welcoming team. The children made huge progress in just a few days.
“
Our students came back buzzing with confidence — the JCA team were outstanding from start to finish. Safe, engaging and amazing value.
UK Secondary School
“
One of the best residential trip providers in the country — keep it up! Even eating the food at Condover Hall is a lovely experience on its own!
Kings House Preparatory School
Frequently asked questions
Can you support dietary needs?
Yes. Our catering team can provide for allergies, intolerances and religious requirements with advance notice.
What is Skills Builder?
A framework and partnership supporting the teaching, learning and measurement of eight essential skills: Listening, Speaking, Problem Solving, Creativity, Adapting, Planning, Leadership and Teamwork.
Can teachers book a preview visit?
Yes — we welcome Party Leaders, Governors, EVCs and Local Authority Advisors for free preview visits.
How much support do we get during planning?
As much as you need. Your JCA team will guide the process, share the right resources at the right time, and help keep everything moving without overcomplicating things.
Do we need to have everything planned before we get in touch?
Not at all. Some teachers come with dates and details ready to go. Others start with a rough idea and a lot of enthusiasm. Either way, we’ll help you with the next steps.
Our team is here to help
Ready to give your secondary students an adventure packed with confidence, resilience and big memories?
Call 01273 647 200 or use the link below.
