Outdoor learning company closes seven UK activity centres


The closure of seven residential activity centres for schools has been announced after the company that ran them went into administration. The centres had been run by the Inspiring Learning Group, with six Kingswood centres closing immediately. The company announced that it is “devastated” by the move. Outdoor education firm PGL Beyond (PGL) has acquired three Kingswood centres and will keep them open. The centres acquired include Overstrand Hall in Cromer, Norfolk, Dearne Valley in Doncaster and Grosvenor Hall in Ashford, Kent.

PGL has stated that the acquisition will ensure that planned residentials for over 50,000 young people in 2025 will proceed as planned. The three centres that Kingswood will close with immediate effect include Green Park in Buckinghamshire, Colomendy in north Wales, Duke’s Wood House in Northumberland, Peak Venture in South Yorkshire, Staffordshire near Wolverhampton and Ryde in the Isle of Wight.

Kingswood has issued a statement apologizing for the situation, while thanking parents for their support. The firm stated that its deal with administrators “to provide a package of support to groups where centres are closing, by offering alternative arrangements at PGL centres, with no financial impact to parents.” PGL stated that the acquisition has saved 150 jobs.

Anthony Jones, PGL’s CEO, has stated that he understands the importance of a school residential to young people’s developmental journey and is mindful of the impact that it could have should they miss out on such an experience. While the situation surrounding the remaining Kingswood centres is still uncertain, the acquisition has helped to ensure that PGL will remain one of the leading providers of outdoor learning experiences for young people

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