At CPS, we believe that residential trips provide invaluable opportunities for children to explore new environments, develop independence, and discover their potential. These trips help children build confidence and self-esteem as they learn to take responsibility, make decisions, and experience a sense of freedom. They also gain a deeper understanding of their skills, talents, and limitations.

Residential trips are powerful tools for personal growth, teaching children important life skills, building character, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Beyond the learning experiences, these trips foster strong bonds between children across different year groups, as well as with the staff who accompany them.

At CPS, we offer residential trips for children in Year 4, 5, and 6. Each trip is carefully planned with a distinct learning focus, ensuring our children benefit from a diverse range of experiences. These trips provide exciting opportunities to learn outside the classroom, further enriching the curriculum and enhancing personal development.

We are committed to making residential trips as inclusive as possible, understanding that families may need to manage multiple costs across different years. To accommodate this, our trips have been thoughtfully selected to ensure they are affordable, manageable in duration, and close enough to ensure accessibility for all families. Each residential trip lasts 3 days and 2 nights, offering the perfect balance of adventure and learning without being overwhelming.

Year 4: Marchants Hill

In Year 4, children embark on their first residential experience with a two-night trip to Marchants Hill. For many, this may be their first time away from home, and the trip focuses on building teamwork, confidence, and independence. Set within 45 acres of beautiful grounds, Marchants Hill offers a variety of exciting activities, all within a short walk of each other.

Children will enjoy a range of outdoor adventures, including three giant swings, four zip lines, two low ropes courses, two challenge courses, and an archery range. These activities are designed to encourage collaboration, resilience, and personal growth in a fun, supportive environment.

During the trip, children will stay in shared rooms (accommodating 4-6 children) and enjoy meals together in the dining room, further fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. This trip provides a fantastic opportunity for children to step outside their comfort zone, make lasting memories, and grow as individuals.

For more information, please visit: Marchants Hill

Year 5: Hindleap Warren

In Year 5, children build on their experiences from Year 4 with a trip to Hindleap Warren, a scenic 300-acre private woodland. Located a little further afield, this trip offers an exciting opportunity for children to challenge themselves in new ways.

The activities at Hindleap Warren are designed to extend the low-level challenges experienced at Marchants Hill, encouraging children to push their boundaries and develop new skills. Outdoor activities such as high ropes, high zip wire, and abseiling are part of the programme, aimed at boosting problem-solving abilities and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

This trip provides a wonderful opportunity for children to step up from their first residential experience, fostering greater confidence, teamwork, and personal growth.

For more information, please visit: Hindleap Warren

Year 6: Thames Young Mariners

For their Year 6 residential, children spend two exciting nights at Thames Young Mariners, where they participate in a range of water-based activities. By this stage, children are more confident being away from home and enjoy the unique experience of staying in the Teepee Village. Nestled around a central campfire, the village offers the perfect setting to reflect on each day’s adventures, enjoy hot chocolate, toast marshmallows, and celebrate their achievements together as a team.

Established over 60 years ago, the Thames Young Mariners site spans 25 acres, with a 10-acre lake alongside the River Thames, nestled between Richmond and Kingston. The surrounding 200 acres of public open space, designated as a local nature reserve, offer a stunning backdrop for the children’s outdoor activities.

During the trip, children will take part in a variety of exciting water-based activities, including kayaking, open-canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, orienteering, and woodland skills. These activities are designed to build teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence while providing unforgettable experiences in nature.

For more information, please visit: Thames Young Mariners