WINTER RESIDENTIALS IN NORTH DEVON
A strong start to the school year through residential learning
A winter residential at Skern Adventure offers a different way to start the school year. Taking place earlier in the academic calendar, these programmes help students settle more quickly, build relationships and develop the confidence they need to succeed back in the classroom.
With a balance of outdoor activity, structured learning and time together as a group, students gain skills that continue to support their progress throughout the year.
Why choose a winter residential?
A residential in the winter months creates space for meaningful development at a point when it can have the greatest impact. Students return to school more confident, more engaged and better connected to their peers and teachers.
Residential experiences have been shown to improve resilience, self-confidence and wellbeing, while also increasing engagement with learning and behaviour in school. They help to strengthen relationships between students and staff and support long-term progress when learning is embedded back in the classroom.
By taking place earlier in the year, these benefits can be carried forward into everyday learning.
The Facts
77%
of pupils said the way they were taught on the residential will help them do better in the subject in question
79%
of primary pupils said they know their teacher better as a result of their residential
84%
of secondary students said they get on better with others in their class
72%
of primary pupils said that their behaviour at school is better after a residential
71%
of secondary pupils felt more strongly motivated to learn.
Learning and development
Winter residentials at Skern Adventure are designed to support both personal development and learning. Students take part in a range of outdoor activities that challenge them physically and mentally, helping them build confidence, resilience and independence. The structure of each programme includes time for reflection and discussion, allowing students to understand what they have learned and how it applies back in school.
The winter environment creates additional opportunities for learning. Shorter days and longer evenings allow for experiences such as night walks, exploring in low light and observing the natural environment in different conditions. These activities encourage students to step outside their comfort zone, try new things and develop a stronger sense of independence.
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Stronger Connections
A winter residential provides an opportunity to build stronger relationships between students and staff at a key point in the academic year. Time spent together outside of the classroom allows teachers to better understand their students, while students begin to see their teachers in a different context.
Taking place earlier in the year, these shared experiences help to establish positive relationships that carry forward into the classroom, supporting a more settled, connected and productive learning environment.
Flexible and cost effective
Winter residentials offer a flexible and cost-effective option for schools, with shorter stays available during the autumn and spring terms. Programmes are designed to fit around your timetable and budget, making them easier to plan within the academic year.
Visits can include one, two or more nights, with full board accommodation provided throughout. Each programme includes a structured schedule of daytime and evening activities, ensuring students make the most of their time on site.
Our locations
Our two Skern Adventure residential centres on the North Devon coast offer different settings, different challenges and the same commitment to high-quality outdoor learning. From coastal waters to expansive land-based environments, each location provides a safe, supportive space where children and young people build confidence, develop skills and experience adventure that creates lasting impact.
Looking for the next adventure?
Get in touch with our friendly team.
