Skern Lodge

What will students see and do?

Set on the edge of the Taw–Torridge Estuary in beautiful North Devon, Skern Lodge offers students an immersive outdoor learning experience surrounded by coastline and countryside. From the moment they arrive, students will see wide estuary views, purpose-built activity areas and a welcoming residential centre designed specifically for young people and groups.

During their stay, students will take part in a varied programme of adventurous and educational activities that make the most of Skern Lodge’s unique location. On-site and nearby activities include kayaking and canoeing on the calm estuary waters, archery, climbing, team challenges and problem-solving activities that encourage cooperation and confidence.

Many programmes also include coastal exploration, environmental studies and opportunities to learn about local wildlife and habitats, linking directly to geography and science learning.

Students are supported by highly experienced instructors who focus on building skills, resilience and teamwork in a safe and encouraging environment. Skern Lodge is proud to have an outstanding Net Promoter Score of 97, reflecting the consistently high quality of experiences delivered and the positive impact visits have on students and group leaders alike.

Evenings provide time to relax, reflect and socialise, with structured group activities that help strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. Throughout the trip, students will be challenged in positive ways, gain independence, and develop communication and leadership skills, all while enjoying the natural beauty of North Devon.

A visit to Skern Lodge is both an adventure and a valuable learning experience that students remember long after they return home.

How does the trip link to the curriculum?

A visit to Skern Lodge offers strong and flexible links to the curriculum across a wide range of subject areas, supporting both academic learning and personal development. Alongside residential programmes, Skern Lodge also delivers a varied range of curriculum days, allowing schools to tailor visits to specific learning objectives and age groups.

All sessions are led by experienced and highly skilled tutors who are experts in outdoor learning, geography and field studies, ensuring activities are engaging, safe and firmly rooted in curriculum outcomes.

Geography and science are strongly supported through practical, hands-on learning. Curriculum days such as river studies, coastal and dune exploration, and heritage coastline visits help students understand natural processes including erosion, deposition, habitats and land use.

These experiences develop key fieldwork skills such as observation, data collection, classification and interpretation, which are essential for both primary and secondary geography. Opportunities to explore local towns and villages also support human geography, helping students learn about settlements, communities and change over time.

History links are brought to life through themed days that allow students to explore life in the past through practical challenges and local exploration. Outdoor survivor-style activities support learning linked to early human settlement, resilience and adaptation, while also encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

Physical education and outdoor learning are embedded throughout both residential visits and curriculum days. Activities such as archery, navigation, orienteering, coastal challenges and water-based sessions (tide dependent) help develop coordination, fitness, teamwork and risk awareness.

PSHE outcomes are supported through collaborative tasks that build confidence, independence, communication and leadership skills. English and maths skills are naturally reinforced as students follow instructions, discuss findings, record observations, measure, estimate and analyse results.

Whether attending for a day or a longer stay, Skern Lodge provides high-quality, curriculum-linked experiences that enrich classroom learning and inspire students.

Subjects covered

Details of risk assessment

Skern Lodge operates a comprehensive risk assessment programme covering all aspects of its provision. This includes outdoor activity and learning programmes, accommodation and catering services, fire safety arrangements, and the management of the site and premises.

All risk assessments are developed and reviewed in line with current legislation, including the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order. These processes ensure that risks are identified, managed and monitored effectively, while still allowing young people to experience appropriate challenge as part of high-quality outdoor learning.

Skern Lodge’s risk assessments are primarily internal working documents used to guide staff practice and operational decision-making. As such, they are not routinely shared in full with visit leaders. Schools are encouraged to refer to the National Guidance produced by the Outdoor Education Advisors Panel (OEAP) regarding access to provider risk assessments and the appropriate use of external assurances.

Skern Lodge is Learning Outside the Classroom (LoTC) Quality Badge accredited and holds a current Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALS) licence, providing independent assurance that safety management systems, staff competence and operational standards meet nationally recognised requirements.

These accreditations support schools in meeting their own visit planning and safeguarding responsibilities with confidence.

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