Sixth Form College Staff Attend Royal Celebration Recognising the Impact of Outward Bound
In November, Charlotte Barker (Safeguarding and Support Manager) and David Hardwick (Health, Wellbeing and Sport Coordinator) attended a prestigious Outward Bound Celebration Dinner at St James’s Palace, London. The event brought together teachers, college staff, youth support professionals, donors, and patrons HRH Prince Edward and Princess Beatrice to celebrate the impact of Outward Bound residentials on young people.
The evening highlighted how these residential experiences challenge students, encourage personal growth, and help them step outside their comfort zones. It also provided an opportunity for staff to connect with other educators and funders, sharing how the College’s trips have transformed the lives of its students.
Each year, the College takes 12 students on a week-long Outward Bound residential to develop confidence, resilience, and skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Activities include kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, caving, abseiling, zip wiring, and team challenges like Jacob’s Ladder and crate stacking, with plenty of wet adventures such as jog and dip, the jetty jump, and gorge walking.
These trips, running for eight years at Loch Eil in Scotland and Aberdovey in Wales (with the ninth planned for June 2026), are described by Sixth Form College students as life-changing, helping them form lasting friendships and a strong sense of achievement. The experience reflects the College’s approach: From Beginning to Beyond, encouraging students to start their College journey with confidence, find belonging in the College community, and go beyond what they thought possible.
David said:
It was a phenomenal yet surreal experience to have an incredible three-course meal in the presence of royalty in the unbelievable setting of St James’s Palace. It was great to speak to the people who help fund these courses and let them know the life-changing effect it has on the young people who take part.
Charlotte added:
Outward Bound has such a positive impact on our students. We see young people return from these courses with newfound confidence, lasting friendships, and a genuine sense of achievement. Being invited to St James’s Palace was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that impact and to share our students’ success stories with others who are equally committed to supporting young people.
The College looks forward to offering even more students the opportunity to take part in these memorable trips in the years ahead. ext content
