Residentials at The JCB Academy
Building Connections, Confidence, and Resilience
Introduction
At The JCB Academy, residential experiences play a vital role in our transition process. Moving into a new year group is an exciting step, and residentials help learners settle in, build friendships, and develop essential life skills.
These experiences are designed to:
- Help learners get to know new peers and staff
- Develop independence, resilience, and teamwork
- Build organisation and confidence
- Embed academy standards and expectations from the start
Year 9 Residential – Harper Adams University
When learners join The JCB Academy in Year 9, they come from many different feeder schools, leaving behind familiar peers. To support this transition, the entire cohort attends our annual residential at Harper Adams University.
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Accommodation: Individual dorm rooms
Activities: A mix of team-building challenges, practical sessions, and academic engagement with Harper Adams lecturers
Purpose:
- Embed academy standards and expectations
- Build friendships and teamwork
- Begin the Harper Challenge, a project learners continue back at the academy, with finalist teams returning for the challenge final later in the term
Year 12 Residential – Brathay Hall, Lake District
Starting Post-16 is a big step, and our Year 12 residential at Brathay Hall provides the perfect start.
Brathay is renowned for its pioneering approach to outdoor education, offering experiences that build:
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Emotional intelligence
- Confidence and teamwork
Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Brathay provides access to fells, lakes, and on-site adventure activities. Learners take part in challenges designed to inspire independence and leadership—helping them take ownership of their learning and personal growth.
Why Residentials Matter
Residentials are more than trips—they are transformative experiences that:
Strengthen relationships between learners and staff
Build resilience and adaptability
Encourage collaboration and leadership
Prepare learners for success in the academy and beyond