INSPIRE, EDUCATE AND INVOLVE

Education

Bore Place helps young people connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. We believe there is huge value in getting children outside the classroom and exploring and learning in an outdoor environment. We cater for all children and aim to ensure that our activities and residential stays are accessible to all.

School Day Visits

Explore food, farming and nature on a working organic estate

Bring your class to Bore Place for a hands-on learning experience exploring where food comes from and how it can be grown in harmony with the natural world. A visit to Bore Place is a unique opportunity to connect curriculum learning with real-world sustainability, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Pupils will discover the principles of organic farming, learn about seasonality, and explore vegetable growing in our productive market garden. They'll investigate nature and habitats across our diverse estate and can even take part in real-life citizen science activities. Activities will vary by season, weather, access and the natural resources available. If there is a specific activity or curriculum focus you would really like to look at, please make a request and we will work to incorporate this.

Group sizes and availablity
All programmes are designed for a class of up to 30 pupils. Day visits are available throughout the year on most Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. If you would like to bring more than one class on the same day, we can often accommodate two classes (up to 60 pupils) on a Friday.

Visit fees
We charge on a group basis for up to 30 children, and there is no charge for accompanying adults. Bore Place is committed to being an affordable educational venue. We offer a discretionary subsidised rate for small-class state schools and classes with a high number of children receiving pupil premium - please enquire.

SEN classes
Our tutor team has experience working with children and young people with SEN. All programmes are available for SEN classes and most activities can be adapted to meet various needs. Most programmes are suitable, or adaptable, for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. Due to the nature of our site and facilities, the maximum group size for an SEN visit is 20 pupils, though this depends on the needs of the group. Please contact us to discuss the needs of your class.

Programmes available

Marvellous Minibeasts Explore the hidden world of minibeasts in our fields, woodlands and gardens, discovering how these tiny creatures play a big role in the ecosystem. Please note, this programme is not available Dec-March.		Activities Minibeast hunting in logs, leaf litter and/or grassland Meadow walk Games to learn about predators and prey, and camoflage Maybe some pond dipping!

KS1 curriculum links Where food comes from Food chains Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores What animals need to survive Habitats and microhabitats, and how they provide for animals		KS2 curriculum links Food chains plus consumers, producers and decomposers Predator-prey relationships Adaptations to suit environment Life cycles and stages Where food comes from

Habitat Detectives Become a habitat detective for the day! Take on the role of an ecologist or countryside ranger, and explore different environments. Investigate the wildlife that lives there, and take part in a real citizen science survey to support local biodiversity.		Activities Seasonal survey e.g. worm, hedgerow, butterfly Habitat trail to compare types of habitats Footprint survey tunnels and mammal ID Nest building or den building If there's time, an animal signs scavenger hunt

KS1 curriculum links Where food comes from Food chains Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores What animals need to survive Habitats and microhabitats, and how they provide for animals		KS2 curriculum links Food chains Predator-prey relationships Adaptations to suit environment Classification and using a key Where food comes from

Sow and Grow Dig into the world of plants - learn what seeds need to grow, get hands-on in the garden, and sow your own to take home.		Activities Parts of a plant, germination and pollination games Visit the garden to see the range of plants and what parts we can eat Exploring the importance of soil Plant a seed to take home/grow at school

KS1 curriculum links Where food comes from Basic structure of plants What do plants need to grow Adaptations to suit environment		KS2 curriculum links Functions of parts of a plant What plants need to grow plus nutrients and space Lifecycles - pollination, seed formation and dispersal Adaptations to suit environment Where food comes from How our food is grown, reared and processed

Field to Fork Discover where your food comes from by exploring the journey from field to fork -investigate how crops grow, learn about sustainable farming, and harvest fresh ingredients to prepare a simple food.		Activities Foraging or harvesting ingredients Look at natural vs. processed foods Cook a simple food (KS2 only) Taste testing

KS1 curriculum links Where food comes from Healthy eating Nutrition Basic cooking skills		KS2 curriculum links Where food comes from Healthy eating Nutrition Practical cooking Food seasonality How our food is grown, reared and processed

Team Challenge Day (Suitable for KS2; adaptable for KS3 and KS4) Take on a series of outdoor challenges that build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills - perfect for strengthening group dynamics while having fun in nature.		Activities Orienteering style challenge trail Den building Firelighting Campfire cooking
Programme benefits Physical and mental wellbeing from spending time in nature Learning through first-hand experiences Problem solving when working with others Teambuilding Independence and self-discovery

Risk assessments, policies and procedures
Please click here for our School Day Visits Handbook.

Do you need to visit before your class?
Our site is open every day, including weekends. You're welcome to pop by any time to see where we are and have a wander around. The buildings are not open to the public, but much of the site is open access for you to conduct a general risk assessment. If you would like to arrange a pre-visit with a member of the team, please contact education@boreplace.org.

Need help with transport?
ESRTP Community Transport is a not-for-profit community transport company offering very reasonable prices to groups. Please contact them directly to see if they can help with your visit.

Weekly Outdoor Education Programmes

At Bore Place, we deliver weekly outdoor education programmes, set within our 500-acre countryside estate in Kent. The Bore Place estate - our farmland, woodlands, gardens and streams - provides an authentic natural learning environment for students to develop practical skills, confidence and wellbeing through hands-on outdoor experiences.

These programmes are suitable for:

Students in Years 9-14, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or those who benefit from a more practical, outdoor approach to learning
Learners working from pre-entry level through to Level 1
Students who would benefit from developing life skills, employability skills, confidence and wellbeing through hands-on outdoor learning

Programme structure:

Students attend a one day per week over a 34-week academic year
Schools can book for a group of up to 10 students.
Mixed groups from different schools may be available - please enquire to discuss.
Each programme is tailored to the needs, abilities and interests of the students attending.

Can students achieve a qualification?

Students can work towards recognised, accredited qualifications as part of their programme at Bore Place. We currently offer:

LASER Awards
AQA Unit Award Scheme
Arts Award

Are non-accredited programmes available?

Yes. Alongside accredited options, we also offer the John Muir Award, which encourages environmental awareness and personal discovery through time in nature. We can also deliver bespoke outdoor learning programmes focused on practical activities, teamwork and personal development.

How are programmes tailored to students?

We work closely with each visiting school to design a programme that suits their students, adjusting the content, level and pace of delivery as needed.

Bookings are now open for the 2026/27 academic year. If you are a teacher or SENCO looking for a structured outdoor learning programme with accredited qualifications - or a different learning environment for your students - we would love to work with your school. Our experienced team can help design a programme that supports your students’ learning, wellbeing and personal development.

Click here for a quick overview of our weekly outdoor learning programmes – perfect to share with colleagues or parents.

Qualifications and accredited programmes

We offer a range of qualifications and accredited programmes for students attending Bore Place on a weekly programme:

Laser Qualification

We currently offer two accredited programmes through the Awarding Organisation LASER:

LASER’s Independent Living programme is designed to develop life and learning skills through a variety of units around the subject areas of horticulture, ecology, conservation and independent skills development. 

LASER’s Learning, Employability and Progression (LEAP) qualifications offer a wide variety of personal development and vocational taster units including personal and social development, employability and land-based subjects as part of the programme.

The AQA Unit Award Scheme (UAS) is a flexible programme celebrating progress by awarding certificates for the successful completion of individual units of learning. Each unit focuses on developing specific skills, knowledge, or practical experience, and units can be collected into a learner portfolio, providing a record of their achievements over time.

The scheme is designed to recognise success in a supportive and inclusive way. By celebrating each step of progress, it helps build confidence, encourages engagement, and motivates learners as they continue their learning journey.

Arts Award

The Arts Award encourages the growth of artists and arts leaders. The programmes we offer at Bore Place support groups from local schools to develop their own creative pathways. Students work on projects aiming to foster independent working and progression into further education and employment. Students are assessed on developing art form knowledge and understanding, creativity, planning and reviewing, and communication. We have experience in delivering all three Arts Awards (Bronze, Silver and Gold) - and can adjust the level of content and pace of delivery as required. Each student produces a portfolio or arts log to record their journey.

John Muir Award

 John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme that encourages people of all backgrounds to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places. It is inclusive, accessible and non-competitive. The Award’s ethos encourages participants to minimise their impact on the natural environment – from considering access and responsibilities in the outdoors, to making sustainable lifestyle choices. With a focus also on health and wellbeing, the award is something we are really excited to be able to offer at Bore Place.

Home Education

Level 1 Awards in Art and Land-based Studies

Bore Place offers small-group, supportive outdoor learning programmes for home-educated learners, designed to build confidence, independence and practical skills. Over a 34-week academic year, students can gain nationally recognised Level 1 Awards (LASER Learning Awards) which combine structure with hands-on, experiential learning, encouraging students to develop at their own pace in a safe, inspiring outdoor environment.

Level 1 Award in Art

This artist-led programme allows learners to explore a wide range of creative techniques and media, including drawing, painting, clay, printmaking and mosaics. Students will develop their own ideas, build a personal portfolio, and culminate the year with a celebratory exhibition of their work. See here for the full course outline.

Day: Thursdays
Time: 10:00-12:00 (ages 11–14), 13:00-15:00 (ages 15–17)
Class size: around 6 learners

See here for course dates.

Level 1 Award in Land-based Studies

This practical programme introduces students to essential land-based and environmental skills, including conservation, habitat management, food growing, and sustainable land care. Learners gain hands-on experience, develop teamwork, and explore how people and nature can thrive together. See here for the full course outline.

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 10:00-12:00 (ages 11–14), 13:00-15:00 (ages 15–17)
Class size: around 6 learners

See here for course dates.

Why choose Bore Place?

Practical, outdoor learning on our 500-acre countryside estate
Small class sizes
Accredited, nationally-recognised qualifications
Exam-free learning: student work is evidenced by a portfolio of photographs and worksheets
Little to no requirement to undertake further work at home (though tasks can be set if requested)
Creative and hands-on experiences that build confidence, independence, and curiosity

Please share these programmes with your networks - click here for a poster.

Places are now available for 2026/27: secure your young person's place and help them grow their skills, confidence, and connection with nature. To discuss these courses or to apply, please click the button below to send us an email.

Additional Needs Club

Our Additional Needs Club offers weekend and school holiday drop-off sessions for young people with mild to moderate additional needs. The club is open to young people aged 8-17, living in Kent.

Activities are fun, engaging and tailored to individual and group needs. The club encourages young people to develop a love of the natural world and enjoy being outdoors, whilst learning and having fun.

Activities change with the seasons and include things like exploring the estate, hands-on cooking, arts and crafts, harvesting fruit veg from the garden, den building, minibeast hunts, bushcraft activities and gardening.

All activities are led by our team of tutors with vast experience teaching children with a variety of additional needs. The sessions are designed to help develop life skills, confidence and self-esteem in a safe, fun environment.

Young people attend independently and parents/carers are not required to stay.

The club is suitable for young people who:

Have mild to moderate additional needs.
Can attend sessions independently, without 1:1 support.
Can take part in a group session, and whose behaviour will not disrupt the session.
Are able to take care of their own personal needs.
Enjoy being outside!

The club is subsidised thanks to funding from Kent County Council. Each session runs from 09:00-13:00 and can be booked via our What's On page. We meet all young people prior to booking, in order to ensure each attendee's needs can be met, and then share a code to enable booking. To arrange a pre-visit, please use the contact button below.

Bore Place Family Adventure

Thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need

The Family Adventure is a year-long programme designed for families with children aged 8-13 years - with at least one child with SEN and at least one sibling without additional needs. You’ll spend time on our farm, growing, cooking and eating together and exploring nature and wildlife, and meeting other local families who also understand what it’s like to care for children with and without additional needs.

The adventure includes:

An introduction evening to meet the team and the other families
Five drop-off sessions for the children in your family
Two family sessions
A two-night getaway stay at Bore Place

See the Family Adventure 2026 Application Pack for full info. Aplications have now closed for 2026.

Residentials

Bore Place delivers school residentials in partnership with the Ernest Cook Trust's OWL Collaboration programme. The OWL (Outdoor Week of Learning) initiative exists to ensure that all young people - regardless of background - have the opportunity to experience the benefits of time outdoors. Through hands-on activities, nature exploration, and shared experiences, students build confidence, strengthen friendships, and develop a lasting connection with the natural world. Thanks to the OWL Collaboration, we offer fully-funded residential stays that provide immersive outdoor learning experiences.

OWL Residentials give students the chance to:

Connect with nature through hands-on activities across the estate’s varied habitats
Develop teamwork, resilience and confidence in a supportive, outdoor environment
Explore sustainable farming, wildlife and environmental science in a real-world setting
Enhance personal and social skills through shared experiences with peers and tutors

At Bore Place, these weeks are about more than learning - they’re about creating space for young people to grow, discover their potential, and feel a sense of belonging in nature. Please contact us to discuss your school joining this programme.

Accommodation and catering

Accommodation is available for up to 28 guests (children and accompanying adults) in The Old Stable, at the heart of the Bore Place estate.

We provide seasonal, organic and locally-produced food and consider the impact of our food choices on the environment. Our chef creates healthy, balanced meals and snacks for hungry children and can cater for special dietary requirements.

Non-funded school residentials

Occasionally we are able to offer non-funded residential stays for schools. Please contact us to discuss availablity.

What you can expect from a visit to Bore Place

Evaluation

Bore Place has a track record of delivering innovative projects in education and wellbeing working with over 2500 pupils annually. All our activities are evaluated through a variety of methods including participant feedback gathered informally and through specific surveys. We also seek feedback from teachers, parents and pupils themselves. This feedback allows us to adapt, improve and strengthen the programmes we offer in line with our vision, values, strategic plan and local demand.

Testimonials

“
Seeing the students embracing the whole outdoor learning ethos, they were engaged, happy and relaxed. They learnt so much! The Outdoor Teacher was amazing with the students and was so patient as they asked so many questions! Thankyou Eliot for sharing so much, the students cannot wait to try nettle tea with a spoon full of honey from Bore Place.
Thamesview School, March 2025

“
Several of the students have meltdowns in school due to them having SEN needs and find school so overwhelming, at Bore Place they were relaxed, one student has a visible tic, this was not shown at Bore Place. One student who is ADHD and has ASD always wears here headphones, she did not wear them at Bore Place. It was fantastic to see our students so relaxed with their outdoor learning.
Thamesview School, March 2025

“
The children were fascinated with the habitat walk we did. The leader was able to locate and show them a huge number of habitats for a wide range of animals.
Chiddingstone School, November 2024

“
It was wonderful to see them out in the fresh air and see their confidence in being in a new envirnment.
The Canterbury Academy, November 2025

“
[We have particularly enjoyed] Exploring the grounds and the students being able to really get involved with everything, the new outdoor wheelchairs you have are amazing and mean that everyone gets to explore.
Marjorie McClure School, weekly programme 2023-24

“
The children enjoyed eating raw carrots and making the cheesy, herby biscuits. The children loved their visit and so did we, so much so we are going to book for next year.
Lunsford Primary School, June 2025

“
Out of the classroom learning generally opens a new opportunity, way of learning, experiencing it. The passion, knowledge and enthusiasm of [the Bore Place tutor] was inspiring and engaging. We learnt way more above and beyond what we expected, in particular about foraging which the children loved. Students that find it hard to focus in class are engaged by simply being immersed and experiencing the learning environment themselves, out of the classroom. A different way of learning for them.
Chiddingstone Primary School, July 2025

“
I feel the students learnt a lot with regard to their own personal development on this trip, it was fantastic to see them and hear them chatting about it on the minibus on the way home.
Thamesview School, January 2025

“
I think a lot can be said for children coming outside and learning in the fresh air, the children who find the classroom restrictive have enjoyed the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Behaviour improves in the outside as well.
Weald Community Primary School, July 2025

“
Knowing they are coming to Bore Place always makes them joyful- they always ask when is our next trip? They don't think they are learning as the activities and routine of a day at Bore Place is so varied and different to school but the skills and opportunities they get from being on the farm are immeasurable. Getting outside and learning in the environment about the environment is critical. They are immersed in the moment and challenged in so many different ways. It is this kind of resilience and hands on learning and experience that so many children miss out on these days due to the rise in screen time and modern parenting trends. Thank you for great year of visits. Long may it continue. The teachers quite like it too!
Bidborough Primary, 2025

LOTC

Education

School Day Visits