Outdoor Education
Our Philosophy
“Learning in the outdoors, being exposed to risk, appreciating the natural world and working in teams are some of the most effective ways to develop character traits such as resilience, courage, resourcefulness, creativity and self-confidence.
“Our pupils enjoy an extensive outdoor education programme which is experiential and reflective.”
Oli Kershaw Head of Outdoor Education
Our thriving Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award scheme is a key part of life at Wells, with over 100 pupils enrolling each year and an outstanding success rate. Pupils can take on the challenge at Bronze (Year 9), Silver (Year 10), and Gold (Lower Sixth), completing a personalised programme that includes volunteering, physical activity, skill development, and unforgettable expeditions, which take us to the Mendips, Quantock Hills, Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Rhinogs and the Lake District.
Our climbing wall includes challenges for everyone, from beginner to expert. It is reset biannually by professional route setters using quality holds and modern macros. Bushcraft skills are taught in the woods surrounding the School, and kayaking is taught on site in the swimming pool. We organise camping trips, rock climbing, hill walking, archery, adventurous activity residentials and expeditions, such as skiing in the Alps and trekking to Everest Base Camp and Machu Picchu.
Our Team
Our Head of Outdoor Learning, Oli Kershaw is dedicated to providing pupils with challenging and rewarding experiences beyond the classroom. Before joining Wells, Mr Kershaw led expeditions all over the world, taking groups to remote landscapes, high mountain peaks and wild rivers, fostering independence, resilience, and a spirit of exploration—values he now incorporates at Wells. He is supported by a skilled team of staff who bring expertise in rock climbing, mountaineering, paddlesports, bushcraft and other adventurous activities, ensuring pupils have access to high-quality instruction and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Pupil Perspectives
Sophie Alasdair
I have gone on a few outdoor expedition trips, such as going up Glastonbury Tor and exploring Cheddar Caves. One of my highlights was DofE; it pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which proved very rewarding. For my DofE, I volunteered to help out on our climbing wall, which was an enjoyable and worthwhile experience as I was able to help develop other climbers’ skills as well as my own. My friends and I are keen to do CCF next year and look forward to new opportunities!
We have access to countless courses, adventure camps and qualifications to help further ourselves above and beyond the classroom. I have completed my DofE awards up to Gold level, been abroad to Nepal and took part in Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training courses. Through these activities, I have made friends, learned new skills, grown in confidence, broadened my interests and improved my overall character. Ultimately, my experiences always got me back wanting to do more!
Where we go
Here at Wells, we benefit from being able to walk straight out of our gate north into the Mendip Hills or head south, to the sprawling Somerset levels. We benefit greatly from having two richly diverse environments on our doorstep. Our extensive local programme includes abseiling at Split Rock Quarry, rock climbing at Fairy Cave Quarry, caving in Burrington Combe and paddleboarding on Cheddar Reservoir. Further afield, regular trips include climbing on the Gower Peninsular, mountaineering in Snowdonia, skiing in the Alps and trekking to Everest Base Camp.
Our Royal Navy cadets learn to sail at Cheddar Reservoir as well as scuba dive in our swimming pool. Our Army cadets use the brand-new Army Cadet Force shooting range in Wells and Yoxter Combined Cadet Force training area to develop their marksmanship skills.
If you want adventure, we’ve got you covered, from here to the Himalayas.
We are one of only 260 schools in the UK with a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingent, which is a unique educational partnership. Through enjoyable militarythemed and adventurous activities, our cadets have the opportunity to take responsibility and develop skills, such as leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance. Our CCF is an optional activity, and alternative opportunities are available for those who would prefer not to take part.
While adult volunteers and cadets do wear uniform, they do not incur any liability for service or compulsory training in the Armed Forces as a result of being a CCF member. The Combined Cadet Force at Wells currently has 130 pupils, and they can join either the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Marines Band sections which all offer fantastic opportunities whether it be gliding, sailing, scuba diving or fieldcraft to name but a few.
Find Out More
If you would like to find out more about Wells Cathedral School, please contact our admissions team on 01749 834441 / admissions@wells.cathedral.school or visit our website https://wells.cathedral.school