Every year as the coach pulls away from the school gates, there is an unmistakable electric buzz of anticipation in the air. We often reflect on the traditional highlights of a residential—the thrill of the high ropes, the triumphant stories shared over meals, and the independence that comes with stepping outside daily routines. While all those classic moments were present in abundance this year, looking back on our latest Year 5 and 6 trip to Winmarleigh Hall, something felt different. Beyond the physical courage and activity milestones, what stood out most was how our children lived out the core values and spirit of AKS. They demonstrated four distinct, deeply reflective qualities that went far beyond standard expectations, acting as the ultimate icing on the top of an extraordinary week.
The first was their remarkable, graceful adaptability. With children arriving, departing, and balancing different timetables across the residential, routine was constantly shifting. Rather than finding these changes unsettling, our pupils and the Winmarleigh team embraced them with complete fluidity. Groups reshaped seamlessly, and the children welcomed one another into changing team dynamics without missing a beat. It revealed an innate open-heartedness, ensuring that regardless of anyone’s schedule, every child felt fully included and valued at every turn.
We were also moved by their quiet, unprompted empathy. While roaring cheers at the bottom of the climbing wall are wonderful, what impressed us most were the subtle acts of peer support. Children instinctively noticed when a friend was feeling uncertain or tired, stepping in with gentle encouragement and celebrating each other's quiet victories with authentic warmth. The Winmarleigh team repeatedly praised our pupils for being exceptionally thoughtful, polite, and considerate throughout their stay.
Furthermore, the children brought an infectious, high-spirited joy that lasted well into the evening. Energy can often flag towards the end of a busy week, but this group showed an unstoppable enthusiasm from seven in the morning until bedtime. Above all, they showed an active, respectful appreciation for the entire experience. They didn't just participate; they invested themselves fully—asking thoughtful questions of the instructors, listening intently, and taking real pride in their new surroundings.
Winmarleigh Hall itself continues to deliver everything we could ask for, and this year the venue was flawless. Seeing our familiar group leaders, Poppy and Cat, waiting for us at the gates as the coach pulled in was an instant highlight, and the children recognised them straight away. Having Poppy and Cat with us from breakfast until past nine every night was phenomenal—their energy, warmth, and dedication meant the world to us. The site additions made a huge difference too; the new marquee proved invaluable for arrival lunches and outdoor team games, while our own dedicated hub function suite gave us a cozy home base to gather, unwind, and enjoy our evening hot chocolates. Everything ran like clockwork, from the superb meals catering to every individual dietary request to the fantastic activity instructors who made every challenge engaging.
A trip of this scale only succeeds because of an extraordinary staff team who give up their home lives and sleep to care for our children. A very special mention must go to Mrs. Briggs, who was absolute perfection in her ‘Mothership’ role - our ultimate one-stop shop person for anything the children needed, Mrs. Briggs went above and beyond day and night—flawlessly organising all medical needs, offering endless comfort, and keeping every child safe, secure, and content throughout. Further gratitude goes to Mr. Dreyer, Mr. Dewar, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Hine, Mrs. Blinston, as well as Mrs. Haworth, who joined us to provide vital support at the beginning and end of the trip. Every member of staff pulled together with tireless energy and humour.
Reflecting on the whole experience, I can honestly say this was one of the best Year 5 and 6 residentials to date! To the team at Winmarleigh, our incredible staff, and above all, our wonderful children—thank you for making it a trip to remember.
Mr Avis.
Quotes from the Week from some of the children.
- “I thought I’d really miss having my phone around, but I didn't even think about it once. We were way too busy having fun to even care!” — (Tristan & Lorenzo)
- “Unwinding with a Cadbury’s hot chocolate at the end of the day was a real favourite part and we were allowed thirds!” (Clifton and Henry)
- It felt like we were all just one giant family sitting together at mealtimes.” — (Ariana & Indie)
- “I didn’t realise how brave I could be until I stepped off the Giant Swing. (Amber & Ella)
- “Dancing with my friends at the Silent Disco with the music blasting in our headphones was amazing—It felt like we had own own secret world.” — (Aisha, Matilda, Daisy, Minal & Skylar).
- “We noticed when someone was feeling a bit down, so we sat down and talked about their families until everyone felt so much better.” — (Rowan, Negan & Charlie).
- “I’ve never laughed so hard in my life as when we were trying to tidy up our room and make our beds look smart for inspection!” — (Henry & Harry)
- “Celebrating my birthday with everyone was brilliant—everyone sang Happy Birthday so many times, and we enjoyed sharing treats” — (Imogen)
- “I felt really proud of myself because I gave everything a go, even whist decidingto go on the trip with a broken finger” - (Esme)
- “It was brilliant how we got to help choose our schedule for the week, it made the whole residential feel like our own personal adventure, not just a standard school trip!” — (Zach & Jack)
- “Toasting marshmallows over the campfire and singing songs together with Mr. Thomas was an absolute highlight” — (Eva and Matilda)
- “I was nervous about jumping off the high platform on the Zip Wire, but hearing everyone cheer gave me the push I needed!” — (George)
- “Helping others is just as important as being good at the activities.” — (Molly & Finley).
- Although we felt a little homesick at times during the stay, we were all so glad we stayed because we got over it together to enjoy the week”— (Scarlett, Teddy & Bertie)
- “The best bit wasn’t just the big activities—it was getting to spend every single moment hanging out with best friends.” — (Skylar)
- “I’llremember this week for the rest of his life—hands down the most fun I’ve ever had at school!” — (Charlie).
- I managed to reach to the top of the climbing wall in record time” (Winnie)