Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre

Great staff and well organised. Lovely site.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Avon Tyrrell; this was our second residential visit with Year 5/6 pupils. There were many aspects that made it an enjoyable and successful trip, although there are also some areas that could be further improved. Prior to the visit, communication with Avon Tyrrell staff was excellent. They were responsive, helpful, and proactive in answering questions and making necessary arrangements. There was a strong emphasis on gathering important information about pupils and staff, including dietary requirements, medical needs, and relevant details such as swimming ability. We particularly appreciated the effort made to accommodate specific dietary needs, including providing suitable alternatives where required. On arrival, pupils were clearly briefed on emergency procedures, including taking part in a fire drill so they understood evacuation protocols and muster points. Expectations around behaviour in rooms and across the site were also communicated effectively, including which areas were permitted or required supervision. Accommodation was of a good standard: rooms were clean, and pupils were encouraged to make their own beds, promoting independence. Catering was well managed, with pupils’ dietary needs accommodated appropriately, and portion sizes were sufficient. Activity instructors were generally engaging and made an effort to build rapport with pupils by learning names and encouraging them to share information about themselves. Safety procedures were consistently followed, and staff demonstrated strong subject knowledge, particularly during activities involving specialist equipment (e.g. harness checks for zip wire and high ropes). The activities themselves were highly beneficial. They supported the development of teamwork, communication, resilience, and confidence, often encouraging pupils to step outside their comfort zones. Many pupils reported a strong sense of achievement, which was a key aim of the residential. Additionally, we felt safe throughout the stay, particularly due to the security measures in place (e.g. coded access to buildings and corridors). There were, however, some aspects that could be improved to enhance the overall experience. On arrival, our rooms and corridor were not ready, resulting in a delay. Pupils’ bags were stored in the main hall, and they spent time outside before lunch. This created a knock-on effect in the schedule. Lunch was scheduled for 1:15pm, but due to another school being ahead of us, there was a queue and some pupils did not receive their lunch until approximately 1:30pm. A fire drill was also conducted during this time, which made lunch feel rushed. This impacted the first activity of the afternoon (scheduled for 1:45pm), as one group had insufficient time to eat, unpack, and prepare. As a result, they had to quickly leave their belongings and move straight to their activity, while other groups had more time to settle in. Ensuring rooms are ready before arrival, allowing pupils to unpack before lunch, would greatly reduce this sense of urgency and create a smoother start to the visit. Although meals were filling, we felt there could be an increased focus on nutritional balance, particularly by offering fruit options at each mealtime. We also experienced a minor issue regarding bathroom allocation for staff, which was reported to our school DSL. It was not entirely clear which facilities were designated for staff use. During the pre-visit, access to the accommodation building was restricted, and although a floor plan was provided, it did not clearly identify appropriate staff bathroom facilities. This may require clearer communication, particularly when mixed-gender staff groups attend, as in our case a male member of staff was accommodated in a pupil room. Timetabling of activities could also be refined. The gap between lunch (1:15pm) and the next activity (1:45pm) was too short, particularly when factoring in queues and the need for pupils to change (e.g. for water-based activities). A slightly earlier lunch slot or a longer transition period would help ensure pupils arrive punctually and better prepared. Finally, while most instructors were highly effective, but we felt that the shelter-building activity could benefit from more structured guidance to better support pupils’ success and engagement. Overall, we would recommend Avon Tyrrell as a residential venue but addressing the areas highlighted above would further enhance the experience and ensure a smoother and more balanced programme for future visits.

Avon Tyrrell is ideally located for a wide variety of subject based trips

Great location for outdoor activities and education.

Outdoor learning and pursuits