On Wednesday 12 March, we loaded students, staff and luggage onto four coaches and set off for the PGL Activity Centre in the heart of rural Lincolnshire. Upon arrival, we enjoyed our packed lunches before diving straight into our first two outdoor activities.

Over the next two days, we took on six more outdoor challenges, including the laser tag, rock climbing with abseiling, Jacob’s ladder and survival skills. Our evenings were just as eventful, with two organised activities. One of these was preceded by a reflective session led by our Chaplain, where we took time to look back on the year so far, read encouragement cards from older students and write our own messages for next year’s Year 7 students. The other was a disco where students enjoyed socialising and continuing to develop new friendships.

Mealtimes and evening activities also offered a chance to socialise in a relaxed setting, allowing students to bond over shared experiences and conversations. By the end of the trip, friendships had been strengthened, new ones had been formed and students had developed valuable teamwork and communication skills that they could take forward into their everyday lives.

Below are accounts from our students:

I really liked the residential because we get to make new friends and my favourite activity was the rock climbing and giant swing. I also liked my group as we worked well together. I was in group 14 with Miss Cooper. Thanks to all of the staff for coming to the residential it was so much fun. Mikail A, 7 Holborn

I found the residential to be so much fun and I was with Miss Wood's group, which was group 3. We had good accommodation and some good food. The Journey was not too long and passed quite quickly. I also made friends with more people, including people I did not even know. They had good activities such as Jacob ladder, axe throwing and even more. It was a very good three days. I would like to thank the staff for coming with us as they made it very enjoyable. Connor F, 7 Walbrook

I found the residential really fun. I developed friendships with people I already knew and made new friends. The activities were really fun and top quality. My favourite activity was probably rock climbing and Jacob's ladder. The Jacob's ladder is a ladder that you have to try climb and the gap between the bars gets larger every time. You have an advantage if you are taller. I found that the Jacob's ladder really challenged me to get to the top. I really loved rock climbing because I raced a lot of people and I love a good challenge. Along with that I just love climbing in general. The food was great, many options to choose from. Many vegetarian options to choose from too! The bedrooms were very hygienic. The activities were very fun and challenging. Overall, I had an enjoyable time and thank the teachers who came and put their time into this. Hritika J, 7 Walbrook

I have placed a few photos from the trip below but you can see more by visiting the Image Gallery on our website by clicking here