RESIDENTIAL TRIPS 2025 - 2026
Welcome Trips provide our students with incredible opportunities to enhance their learning beyond the classroom, explore topics beyond the curriculum, and deepen their understanding of the wider world. They also help students discover new interests, form new friendships, and strengthen existing ones. Many of our alumni fondly recall their trip experiences, highlighting the lasting memories they create. This guide aims to provide you and your child with as much information as possible to help you make informed decisions. While all details are correct at the time of publishing, please note that some specifics, such as flight times, are yet to be confirmed. Trip leaders will provide final details in due course. We look forward to offering more trips in the future and will update this guide as plans develop and details are confirmed.
How to book Introductory letters for all trips will be sent out from trip leaders via ParentPost on a Thursday at 5pm. This letter will provide an overview of the trip, payment amount/schedule and consent reply slip. Trips fall into three categories: Essential Trips – Attendance is expected. Directly linked to academic specifications and included in fees. Desirable Trips – Attendance is encouraged and will support students’ academic or pastoral development. Proportional and reasonable charges may be made for desirable visits. Optional Trips – Entirely optional. Recreational benefits that otherwise pupils may not experience. Fully funded by parents/students. For desirable and optional trips, places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis based on the receipt of payment/deposit via ParentPay (not by returning a reply slip). For Year 2 to Year 7 Year Group Residentials, sufficient places will be available for all pupils to attend. Please note Year 13 pupils are not able to attend residential visits once they have completed their final exams. Trip leaders will share additional details via ParentPost. Please note that prices may be subject to change due to external factors. Click here to view the WGSF Education Visits - Terms and Conditions.
Contents
Instructions: Click the trip you want more information on , then the School’s logo to go back to the contents
TRIP
YEAR
PAGE
YMCA Lakeside Plas y Brenin Filey & Scarborough St Joseph's Festival Somme Region Athens & Peloponnese Andalucia YMCA Lakeside Val Thorens Bletchley Park Bay of Naples Berlin Iceland North Yorkshire Moors Rosslyn Park Rugby
Year 7 Year 5 Year 13 Year 12-13 Years 10-11 Years 10-13 Years 10-13 Year 7 Years 5-10 Year 10 Year 8 Years 9-13 Years 10-13 Year 12 Years 9-13
04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
TRIP Caldicott Rugby Sedbergh Rugby Italy Ski Trip Edale Robinwood Castle Howard York Robinwood Cliffe House North Wales Whitby Paris South Africa South Africa Sports Athens
YEAR
PAGE
Year 8 Year 10 Year 9 Year 6 Year 4 Year 6 Year 3 Year 5 Year 2 Year 12 Year 4 Years 8-9 Years 11-13 Year 10-12 Year 12
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
YMCA Lakeside Desirable Trip for Year 7 students
Staff Lead: Mrs K Lindley Date: 17 - 19 September 2025 Price: £350 Tour provider/operator: YMCA Learning Objectives: Transition/team building.
Overview Year 7 will have a chance to get to know each other in a recreational setting with their Form Tutors. There are lots of exciting activities (for example, raft building, archery, challenge course, and abseiling) led by the fully qualified YMCA staff with WGHS staff support; students consistently report increased confidence and more secure friendships following this trip.It's a fantastic way to start Year 7! 4
Plas y Brenin Desirable Trip for Year 5 students
Staff Lead: Mr J Tiffany Date: 30th September - 3rd October 2025 Price: £425 Tour provider/operator: PYB Learning Objectives: Students will develop teamwork skills, cultivate independence, experience challenges, and enhance their social development in settings beyond the school.
Overview The Year 5 Residential is to the National Mountain Centre at Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig, Conwy, Wales, for a 4-day/3-night visit. This is a desirable trip where the boys will have the opportunity to develop their ability to work in a team, improve their independence, experience challenging adventurous activities and develop their social skills away from the school setting, all within the amazing Snowdonia National Park. 5
Filey & Scarborough Essential Trip for Year 13 A-Level Biology students Staff Lead: Dr S Barber Date: 7 - 9 October 2025 Price: included in fees Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: The visit relates directly to the requirements of the subject specification.
Overview This field trip is an opportunity to enrich students’ understanding of practical fieldwork, which is an essential component of A-Level Biology. During the field trip, students will be taught a number of ecological sampling techniques, as well as being introduced to the adaptations and physiology of a number of organisms found on a rocky shore. The field trip provides the ideal opportunity for students to complete their own independent study into a chosen aspect of rocky shore ecology which will contribute towards completing the practical skills endorsement of the A-Level Biology qualification. Most of the field work will be carried out on the Brigg at Filey in North Yorkshire, but we stay in Scarborough at the Crown Spa Hotel. During free time, students have the opportunity to dine out in Scarborough. 6
St Joseph’s Festival Optional Trip for Year 12 & 13 students Staff Lead: Mr Cook Date: October 2025 Price: £200 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: To provide pupils with an enriching experience, develop pupil’s resilience, communication and teamwork skills, fulfil all 3 of the schools values of Care, Contribute and Aspire, compete at a National level in Rugby.
Overview QEGS Rugby takes part in the prestigious St Joseph’s Rugby Festival — an internationally televised tournament that brings together some of the biggest and most competitive rugby schools in the UK. This elite event provides a unique opportunity for our players to test themselves against top-level opposition, pushing their skills, resilience, and teamwork to new heights. The experience not only challenges and stretches the pupils on the field but also helps shape them into disciplined, determined young athletes ready to compete on any stage. 7
Somme Region and Ypres Salient Optional Trip for Years 10 & 11 students
Staff Lead: Mr D Binney Date: 18th - 22nd October 2025 Price: £760 Tour provider/operator: European Study Tours Learning Objectives: To develop GCSE students’ understanding of WW1 battlefields.
Overview The Battlefield Trip is focused on GCSE History students as it will compliment their study of the WW1 Western Front Battlefield sites. The visit focuses upon the Somme region in France and the Ypres area in Belgium. Both these areas were key parts of the WW1 conflict and by visiting the battle sites and accompanying museums the students will have a much greater understanding of the events of WW1. 8
Athens & The Peloponnese Optional Trip for Years 10-13 Foundation students Staff Lead: Mr M Ellard Date: 20 - 26 October 2025 Price: £1500 Tour provider/operator: Nimrod Learning Objectives: See sites prescribed in GCSE/A-Level Classics courses.
Overview This trip gives Classics students the chance to visit and study the art and architecture that features heavily in the GCSE and A-Level Classics courses. The trip is also relevant to those studying ancient languages who can immerse themselves in the world inhabited by the authors they read. The trip has also been enjoyed by students interested in related areas, like Art and Architecture, and History.
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Andalucía Optional Trip for Years 10-13 MFL students
Staff Lead: Ms Donau-Green Date: 21-24 October 2025 Price: £850 Tour provider/operator: SLT Tours Learning Objectives: Spanish language and culture. Attending a language school. Immersion. Homestays.
Overview This 5-day joint trip to Benalmádena and Andalucía has proven to be a fantastic success over the years. It is a unique opportunity for your child to fully immerse themselves in Spanish life, develop and deepen their Spanish language skills, and discover this beautiful historic region through first hand experiences.Accommodation with vetted host families guarantees a great deal of benefit. 10
YMCA Lakeside Desirable Trip for Year 7 students
Staff Lead: Mrs S Roberts Date: 5-7 November 2025 Price: £352 Tour provider/operator: YMCA Learning Objectives: Transition/team building.
Overview We will be taking all of Year 7 to the YMCA National Centre, Lakeside, hidden within 400 acres of private woodland along the south western shores of Lake Windermere. The purpose of the visit is to aid transition and help build a ‘team’ mentality within each form. This is the perfect opportunity for the pupils to get to know each other and us in a relaxed and informal setting. 11
Val Thorens Optional Trip for Years 5-10 students
Staff Lead: Mr A Pesterfield Date: 13th-21st December 2025 Price: £2100 Tour provider/operator: Ski4less Learning Objectives: Social/developing skiing skills.
Overview The ski trip is a well-established part of the school’s winter calendar. Travelling to Val Thorens, the highest resort in Western Europe with guaranteed snow, provides the opportunity for students to develop their skiing skills on some of the finest runs in the world. As a through-school trip, it also allows students to spend a week with peers from a number of different year groups, understand their experiences, and develop friendships that will last well beyond their time at school. 12
Bletchley Park & Milton Keynes Desirable Trip for Year 10 Foundation students Staff Lead: Mr P McWilliam Date: October 2025 Price: £175 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: Further study for Computer Science GCSE.
Overview This residential educational visit includes a trip to The National Museum of Computing and Bletchley Park, with an overnight stay in a Premier Inn and a visit to Xscape in Milton Keynes. The itinerary offers classroom enrichment in cryptography, encryption, VR, and programming, alongside historical immersion in early computing and the function of Bletchley Park during WW2. 13
Bay of Naples Optional Trip for Year 8 students
Staff Lead: Mr J Hargreaves Date: February Half Term 2026 Price: £1000 Tour provider/operator: Nimrod Festivals and Tours Learning Objectives: See sites associated with Classics courses at KS3/GCSE/A-Level and learn to travel independently.
Overview A well-established trip to see the remains of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the National Archaeological Museum in Naples where lots of the amazing finds from the sites are displayed. We also take students to see a selection of the lesser known sites such as the farming villa at Boscoreale, and the luxurious country villas at Stabiae and Oplontis. These sites often feature in KS4 and 5 exam courses so this is a great opportunity to see these first hand and to deepen your interest in the classical world. 14
Berlin Optional Trip for Year 9 -13 Foundation students
Staff Lead: Mrs H Cowan/Mrs E Lister Date: 13-16 February 2026 Price: £1000 Tour provider/operator: NST Learning Objectives: GCSE & A-Level German.
Overview We aim to give pupils the opportunity to practise their German in real life situations as well as discover the cultural & historical aspects of this fascinating city. We will be staying in a centrally located hotel and intend to visit the famous Berlin wall, Brandenburg Gate & the Reichstag as well as museums which cover topics on the A-Level syllabus. We will eat in local restaurants in the evening & take part in social events in the evening such as bowling. 15
Iceland Optional Trip for Years 10-13 students
Staff Lead: Mr J Ryding Date:15 - 20 February 2026 Price: £1675, full board Tour provider/operator: Kipling Tours Learning Objectives: To develop - resilience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview Get ready for another Icelandic adventure! After a hugely popular trip in Easter 2024, WGHS will be returning to Iceland in February 2026. This time, students will have the chance to experience the iconic Golden Circle, the Secret Lagoon, a thrilling glacier hike, captivating lava caves, the 'Into The Glacier' tour, and a visit to the rarely seen Westman Islands. More information will be sent home in our weekly parent email after the May half-term. Geography students will have priority booking, followed by other interested Year 10-13 students. 16
North York Moors and the Yorkshire Wolds Essential Trip for Year 12 A-Level Geography students
Staff Lead: Mr R Tribe Date: 3rd - 6th February 2026 Price: included in fees Tour provider/operator: Crandale / WGSF Learning Objectives: Required fieldwork for NEA.
Overview This compulsory residential field trip to Cranedale Field Studies Centre in Malton, North Yorkshire, is an opportunity to enrich students' understanding of practical fieldwork in both human and physical aspects of the course and is an essential component of A-level Geography. The course is full board and will provide A-Level students with practical fieldwork skills, which they will use in the Non-Examined Assessment project that makes up 20% of the final A-Level marks. 17
Rosslyn Park 7s Rugby Optional Trip for Years 9-13 students Staff Lead: Mr S Cook Date: March 2026 Price: £190 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: To provide pupils with an enriching experience, develop pupils’ resilience, communication and teamwork skills, fulfil all 3 of the schools values of Care, Contribute and Aspire, compete at a National level in Rugby.
Overview The QEGS U14, U16, and U18 Rugby teams will compete in the world-renowned Rosslyn Park National School Sevens, the largest organised rugby tournament on the planet. Bringing together thousands of players from schools across the UK and beyond, this iconic event will be a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork at every level. Facing elite opposition in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, our players will rise to the challenge, showcasing the QEGS brand of rugby with pride, passion, and resilience. The tournament will not only stretch each squad physically and mentally but will also offer a unique opportunity to grow as players and as teams. Competing on such a grand stage will be an unforgettable experience for all involved and a valuable milestone in the continued development of our rugby programme. 18
Calidcott 10s Rugby Optional Trip for Year 8 students Staff Lead: Mr S Cook Date: March 2026 Price: £120 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: To provide pupils with an enriching experience, develop pupils’ resilience, communication and teamwork skills, fulfil all 3 of the schools values of Care, Contribute and Aspire, compete at a National level in Rugby.
Overview The QEGS U13 Rugby team will take part in the prestigious Caldicott Rugby Festival, a highly competitive and nationally recognised tournament that attracts some of the strongest prep school teams from across the UK. Last year’s event even featured academy teams from France and Dubai, highlighting the tournament’s growing international reputation. This elite competition will push our young players to step up, testing their skill, resilience, and teamwork against top-tier opposition. The boys will embrace the challenge, growing both individually and collectively, and gaining invaluable experience on and off the field. It will be a fantastic opportunity that continues to shape their development as committed and ambitious young rugby players.
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Sedbergh 10s Rugby - U18's Tour Optional Trip for Year 10 students Staff Lead: Mr S Cook Date: March 2026 Price: £150 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: To provide pupils with an enriching experience, develop pupils’ resilience, communication and teamwork skills, fulfil all 3 of the schools values of Care, Contribute and Aspire, compete at a National level in Rugby.
Overview The QEGS U18 Rugby team will travel to the stunning Lake District to take part in the renowned Sedbergh 10s Tournament — a prestigious end-of-season event that brings together some of the country’s strongest rugby schools. Played in a competitive ten-a-side format, the tournament will offer a fast-paced and physically demanding challenge, providing a fitting finale to the school rugby calendar. This tour will be a celebration of the squad’s commitment and progress throughout the season. Players will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, strengthen team bonds during the overnight stay, and reflect on their development both on and off the pitch. Representing QEGS at Sedbergh 10s will mark a proud and memorable conclusion to the U18s’ school rugby journey — an experience defined by quality rugby, camaraderie, and shared achievement.
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Italy Ski Trip Optional Trip for Years 7-11 students Staff Lead: Dr M Durrell Date: 28th March - 3rd April 2026 Price: approximately £1800 Tour provider/operator: Maxski
Learning Objectives: To build friendships and take part in ski activities.
Overview We welcome skiers of all abilities and this is an excellent opportunity to improve or learn to ski and holiday with friends. We will travel by air from a Northern airport to Italy, ski in the Folgarida resort and stay in the Hotel Derby. The trip includes a return coach and air travel from School to Folgarida, 7 nights' full board accommodation, 6 days' professional ski lessons for 4 hours per day, 6 days' lift pass, 6 days' hire of boots, skis, poles and helmets, a full evening entertainment package and ice skating (subject to weather conditions), full insurance cover and a Max Ski rep. 21
Edale, Hope Valley Desirable Trip for Year 6 students Staff Lead: Mrs K Grundy Date: 14-16th May 2025 Price: £315 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: Transition/team building.
Overview Year 6 residential: a 2 night, 3 day trip to Edale (Peak District) to develop personal skills such as collaboration, risk-taking, resilience, confidence, and perseverance through a variety of different activities. These activities include both individual and teamwork challenges. 22
Robinwood Activity Centre Desirable Trip for Year 4 students Please note: At the time of publishing we are exploring the option of having a joint (QJ/WJ) Y4 residential visit, we will let parents know when plans are finalised before the end of the summer term.
Staff Lead: Mr G Lewis Date: May 2026 Price: £390 Tour provider/operator: Robinwood Activity Centre Learning Objectives: To develop - resilience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview Robinwood in Maes-y-Nant, North Wales. Robinwood, established in 1994, is a highly recommended activity centre and the three day course we have selected for the boys sounds fantastic. Across the three days the boys will participate in 15 high quality activities which can be enjoyed in any weather. We know that this is going to be an incredible opportunity for the boys to develop their team work, resilience, communication skills, leadership qualities, empathy and much much, more whilst having a fantastic time.
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Bushcraft at Castle Howard Optional Trip for Year 6 students
Staff Lead: Mr R Thompson Date: May 2026 Price: £260 Tour provider/operator: The Bushcraft Co Learning Objectives: Student bonding and outdoor skills.
Overview Year 6 residential. 2 nights, 3 days of outdoor adventure and fun. A chance for our boys to push themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the great outdoors. 24
York Desirable Trip for Year 3 students Staff Lead: Mr G Lewis Date: April/May 2026 Price: £240 Tour provider/operator: York Time Travel Learning Objectives: To develop - resilience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview Students enjoy a one night residential visit to York to immerse themselves in the rich history of the city and learn more about the Viking invasions in the North of England, enriching their understanding of their Invaders and Settlers topic in their History lessons. On the first day they visit the Dig, where they learn about artefacts which tell us more about the past and they have the chance to simulate an archaeological dig at a Viking site. They then visit the Jorvik Viking Centre where they take a journey through a reconstruction of a realistic Viking settlement, watch a coin being ‘struck’ and investigate some of the recently discovered treasures and jewellery on show in the museum. Later on, there is a Viking-themed evening with songs, sagas and dressing up with bushy Viking beards, followed by a good night’s sleep. The following day, students travel to Danelaw Viking Village at Murton Park, where they spend the day living as Vikings! They stay in a Viking village where everyone wears clothes resembling those worn by Vikings (including the teachers), guard against Saxon raiders and get to work doing jobs such as bread making and pottery.
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Robinwood Activity Centre Desirable Trip for Year 5 students Staff Lead: Mr A Bray Date: April / May 2026 Price: £ 355 Tour provider/operator: Robinwood Activity Centre Learning Objectives: To develop - resilience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview This 2 night residential trip has been organised to work in tandem with our values that are intrinsically taught throughout school life here at WGHS. Skills such as resilience, communication, risk taking and coordination are all vital qualities in any future career; learning to harness these is integral to becoming an empowered, responsible young adult. Robinwood Activity Centre is the perfect place to help reinforce these concepts - learning outside the classroom offers new and exciting challenges. Children will learn to work together as a team, develop independence, confidence and an ability to recognise strengths and weaknesses in a constructive way. 26
Cliffe House Activity Centre Desirable Trip for Year 2 children Staff Lead: Mrs J Taylor Date: May 2026 Price: £ 115 Tour provider/operator: Cliffe House Activity Centre Learning Objectives: To develop - resillience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview A one night Residential in Shepley, Huddersfield staying at the Cliffe House acitivity centre. During the visit children will get to experience team building activities and forest school activities including: climbing wall, pond dipping, cooking on a fire. 27
North Wales Essential Trip for Year 12 students Staff Lead: Mr D Higgins / Dr S Barber Date: June 2026 Price: included in fees Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: To carry out required practical 12 of the A-level Biology specification. (and part of the practical skills endorsement)
Overview A teacher-led 3 day field trip to North Wales. Year 12 students learn ecological sampling techniques before designing and carry out their own ecological investigation. Accommodation at Bangor University halls of residence, travel by minibus. Exact dates TBC depending on tide times, parents' evenings etc. 28
Whitby Desirable Trip for all Year 4 students Please note: At the time of publishing we are exploring the option of having a joint (QJ/WJ) Y4 residential visit, we will let parents know when plans are finalised before the end of the summer term.
Staff Lead: Mrs V Hutchinson / Mr S Rowley Date: June 2026 Price: £140 Tour provider/operator: WGSF Learning Objectives: This visit relates to topics learnt about in Geography and Science.
Overview One night residential to Whitby. Year 4 consider the physical and human features of Whitby and compare it to their local area and India. Year 4 also link the visit to their learning about local animals and plants as they explore different habitats.
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Paris Optional Trip for Year 8 & 9 students Staff Lead: Mrs D Walker Date: 26th - 29th June 2026 Price: £750 Tour provider/operator: PGL Learning Objectives: To practise the language. Get to know the city. Experience French food and culture
Overview A long weekend away, travel by coach and ferry staying at Chateau de Grande Romaine where all meals are provided. Includes one day of sightseeing in Paris and a day at a theme park. 30
Sports Tour to South Africa Optional Trip for Years 11 to 13 students Staff Lead: Mrs K Hunter Date: 8/9 July - 21/22 July 2026 Price: approximately £3350, full board Tour provider/operator: InspireSport Learning Objectives: To develop - resilience, teamwork, communication skills, enjoyment.
Overview We are excited to announce plans for a 12 night, 13 day Sports Tour to South Africa in 2026. The trip will include sporting fixtures in Netball, Hockey and Volleyball. Students who participate in any of these sports teams during the academic year of 2025-26 will be eligible to attend (Year 11-13 only). Although all details have yet to be finalised, it is estimated that it will depart on 8/9th July 2026. In addition to the sports fixtures, the tour will also include lots of exciting excursions, such as a two day safari, a tour of Robben Island and a visit to the Apartheid museum, a Cape Point Tour including Boulders Beach and an excursion to Table Top mountain.
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South Africa Optional Trip for Years 10 to 12 students Staff Lead: Dr M Durell Date: July 2026 Price: approximately £3200 Tour provider/operator: Kipling Learning Objectives: Experience wildlife of South Africa.
Overview An escorted tour to the regions around Johannesberg where students can learn about conservation efforts in Africa. Also the opportunity to observe wildlife in various reserves and in the Kruger National Park. Students will also learn about the culture and history of the region, with visits to the Apartheid Museum and Lesedi.
Athens Optional Trip for Year 12 students Staff Lead: Mr A Pesterfield Date: 17-24 August 2026 Price: £1475 Tour provider/operator: Activ4 Learning Objectives: To take part in water sports activities and explore the history and culture of Athens.
Overview Join us for an unforgettable 7-day adventure in Corinthia, Greece! This exciting school trip combines rich history, thrilling watersports, and beautiful coastal landscapes. Our journey includes a day trip to Athens, where you'll explore the iconic Acropolis and the historic Olympic Stadium. Spend three action-packed days at the Ypanema Beach Club, enjoying a variety of watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Loutraki lagoon. You'll have the chance to relax and unwind on stunning beaches as well as enjoy the thrills of the local waterpark. Whether you're diving into Greek culture or riding the waves, this trip is an experience you won’t want to miss!
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THE WAKEFIELD WAY. WAY AHEAD
WGSF.ORG.UK/QEGS WGSF.ORG.UK/WGHS WGSF.ORG.UK/WGPPS
Health and safety statement : The health, safety, and well-being of our students are our top priority on residential trips. Appropriate supervision, thorough risk assessments, and checks are carried out to ensure appropriate plans are in place and a safe and supportive environment is provided throughout trips. Key medical, dietary (including allergen), and pastoral information is shared with visit providers to ensure safeguarding needs are considered.