Year 6 Residential at Pencelli
For our oldest children, the annual residential to Pencelli Outdoor Centre is one of the defining moments of primary school.
Set in the stunning landscape of the Brecon Beacons, this unforgettable experience gives children the chance to step beyond their comfort zone, try new challenges, strengthen friendships and discover just how capable they really are.
It is far more than a school trip. It is a chance to grow.
Learning beyond the classroom
During their time at Pencelli, our Year 6 children experience a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities led by experienced instructors, while being supported every step of the way by our Eagles and Ospreys staff team.
More importantly, they learn things that cannot easily be taught in a classroom.
They learn to:
- Show courage when something feels challenging
- Encourage and support their friends
- Work together to solve problems
- Be responsible for themselves and their belongings
- Build resilience when things don't go quite to plan
- Develop confidence that lasts long after they return home
These are the moments that help children realise there really are no walls or ceilings on what they can achieve.
Growing in confidence
One of the most rewarding parts of the residential is watching children surprise themselves.
The child who wasn't sure about trying something new discovers they can do it.
The quiet child becomes a team leader.
The friend who notices someone struggling offers encouragement without being asked.
These moments reflect the values we nurture every day at Staverton: courage, compassion, kindness, trust, forgiveness and hope.
The residential simply gives those values a different place to shine.
The Pencelli experience
Every residential is different, but each one is filled with memorable experiences.
Days are spent exploring the outdoors, tackling adventurous activities and working together as a team. Evenings bring shared meals, laughter with friends, games and the excitement of spending time together away from home.
Some children arrive feeling nervous.
Many leave feeling unstoppable.
By the end of the week, tired legs, muddy boots and enormous smiles have usually become part of the tradition.
Memories that stay with us
When children look back on their time at primary school, the Pencelli residential is often one of the experiences they remember most vividly.
- They remember the adventures
- They remember the friendships
- They remember discovering they could do something they never thought they could
- Those memories become part of their story
Part of the Eagles and Ospreys journey
When children look back on their time at primary school, the Pencelli residential is often one of the experiences they remember most vividly.
- They remember the adventures
- They remember the friendships
- They remember discovering they could do something they never thought they could
- Those memories become part of their story
The practical details
When it happens
Monday 8th – Friday 12th March 2027 – 5 days and 4 nights, with children travelling to Pencelli on the Monday morning and returning on the Friday afternoon.
Cost
The residential costs £385 per child, covering a full week of outdoor activities including caving, climbing, canoeing, gorge walking, orienteering, and team-building sessions.
This price is all-inclusive, covering accommodation, all food, and equipment for the week. The only additional cost is the coach, at approximately £20, added separately nearer the time once final numbers are confirmed.
Payment is collected as a non-refundable deposit followed by a series of instalments, with everything settled before the children go. Payments are made via Scopay.
As a residential visit, costs are payable in line with our Charging and Remissions Policy. We never want a child to miss out on Pencelli for financial reasons – if paying the fee would be difficult, please speak to Mrs Sykes in the school office in confidence.
Find out more on our School Funding and Charging page.
What's included
Accommodation, all meals, and all equipment needed for the week's activities are included in the cost.
Supporting your child
We know some children – and parents – feel a little nervous ahead of their first time away from home. Our staff are experienced in supporting children through this, and we're always happy to talk through any worries beforehand.
If you need to get in touch while your child is away, contact the school office and the team will pass your message on to staff at the residential. We share a daily update with photos throughout the week, currently posted on the school website.
What to bring
A full kit list will be shared with parents closer to the trip.
