Language Learning Experiences
Outdoor Education Experiences
A new school year brings new classes, new teachers and, for many students, a whole new school. The first few weeks set the tone for everything that follows.
That is why more schools are moving their residential from the summer term to the autumn term. Instead of a reward at the end of the year, the trip becomes a launchpad at the start of it.
At The Bushcraft Company, we welcomed over 23,900 students in the last year. Here are five reasons an autumn term residential could be the best decision you make for your class this year.
A few days away together can do what weeks in a classroom cannot. Pupils who barely know each other end up sharing a tent, building a shelter and cooking over a fire as a team.
Teachers benefit too. You see your class outside the classroom, learn who leads, who needs encouragement and who shines in practical tasks. That insight is gold in September and October!
The friendships and trust built around the campfire carry straight back into lessons, group work and the playground.
The autumn term is a big moment for Year 7 pupils starting secondary school, and for Year 5 and 6 pupils stepping up as the oldest in their school. A residential gives them a shared achievement to anchor that change.
Sleeping away from home, trying something new and pushing through a challenge builds resilience. Pupils return knowing they can cope with the unfamiliar, which is exactly the mindset a new school year demands.
For secondary schools, an autumn transition residential mixes form groups and feeder-school friendship circles early. That helps prevent cliques forming and gives quieter students a fair start.
Early autumn is one of the best times of year for outdoor learning. Trips in September and October catch the woodland at its most beautiful, still lush and green, with the first flashes of gold and red appearing in the canopy before the leaves begin to fall.
It is ideal for bushcraft. Days are often mild and comfortable, the woods are calm, plus the campfire becomes the heart of each day. Pupils learn practical skills that feel real, such as:
Pupils get to watch the woodland begin its seasonal change up close, giving them a living lesson in nature that no classroom can match.
We know school budgets are tight, and parents feel the cost of every trip. That’s why an autumn residential can be one of the most cost-effective school trips you book all year.
Cosy bell tent camping keeps costs lower than traditional centre accommodation, and it’s a big part of the fun. Instead of dormitories, pupils get an authentic bushcraft camping experience: sleeping under canvas, gathering round the campfire and waking up in the woods. Better value, and a bigger adventure.
Booking in autumn can help families too. Payments can be spread from the start of the year, and the trip is fresh in pupils’ minds rather than competing with end-of-year events and summer holiday costs.
An autumn residential gives you a whole year to build on the learning and experience your students receive on the trips. Our Bushcraft school trips also link naturally to the curriculum;
Teachers can refer back to shared memories all year: “Remember how we planned and constructed the shelter?” It turns one trip into a reference point for learning and behaviour.
Our school residentials are built around real bushcraft in a woodland setting, led by experienced tribe leaders;
We know safety is the first question every school and parent asks. Here at The Bushcraft Company we are proud to hold essential accreditations for a safe school residential;
These independent accreditations make sign-off simpler for your Educational Visits Coordinator and give parents real reassurance.
As early as you can. Booking well ahead gives you the widest choice of dates!
Is camping suitable in autumn?
Yes, autumn is a great time to camp. Our bell tents are designed to stay warm and cosy, and our programme is planned around the season. In early autumn, average temperatures are typically warmer than May and similar to June. Plus before your trip, we’ll send a full kit list so pupils arrive prepared, comfortable and ready for the adventure.
It works brilliantly for Year 5 and 6 pupils, and for Year 7 induction trips at secondary school. We also tailor activities to different ages and abilities.
Choose off-peak dates – ask about our autumn term rates and we’ll give you everything you need to start planning from day 1.
Absolutely! We believe in looking after the Teachers during their stay too. Staff sleep in authentic bell tents with real beds and have their own teacher area replenished with tea, coffee and fresh snacks daily.
Ready to plan your autumn school trip? Get in touch with The Bushcraft Company to check dates, ask about autumn term rates and start building a residential your pupils will talk about all year.
