INTRODUCTION PACK
WELCOME TO THE PERSE COMP SQUAD!
Thank you for your interest in our competitive climbing programme. Our squad is designed for motivated young climbers who are ready to develop their skills, challenge themselves, and take part in local, regional and national competitions.
This brochure outlines what you can expect from the Perse Comp Squad including the trial period and competition information.
INTRODUCING THE OUTDOOR EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The Outdoor Education Department at the Perse is a dedicated full-time department that delivers a range of outdoor activities for students attending The Perse Upper and Prep Schools. Outdoor education has a long history at The Perse, starting with the 5th Cambridge Scout Group, which first met in 1909.
Over the years the Scout Group was transformed into a separate organisation known as the Perse Exploration Society with a wider scope for challenging activities and expeditions.
The aim of the Perse Exploration Society is to provide students with leadership and learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Most of all the Perse Exploration Society gives Perse students the chance to experience travel and adventure in some of the remotest places on earth and come away with lifelong memories.
Today, the Perse Exploration Society is split into a number of groups which provide students with a progressive outdoor education. This starts with Trailblazers in Year 3 to Year 6, which takes places in sports curriculum time. Students take part in climbing and campcraft activities at the Upper School site.
Students progress to Base Camp in Year 7, which takes place in timetable and provides all students with the basic skills for living outdoors. Students can then choose to progress on to Ascent Group in Years 8 to 10. This focuses on personal development and student leadership through multi-activity training sessions and camps. In Year 10, students are selected to lead in Ascent Group or to take on the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Scheme.
In Year 11 and Lower Sixth, students participate in more challenging international expeditions through the Summit groups and/ or continue with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to Silver and Gold level. Students in Summit 11 conduct an annual expedition based in canoes to Sweden where they camp out in hammocks and cook over open fires. Finally in Summit 12, students plan and conduct their own mountaineering expedition abroad.
On progressing through the Perse Exploration Society structure, many students choose to give time back to those in younger years by volunteering. We have a flourishing volunteer leadership scheme with over 20 volunteer students in Sixth Form.
The Perse Exploration Society is still the backbone of the department today. However, with an expanded body of students and staff the department now also provides a wide range of extra-curricular clubs such as Climbing Club, Paddlesport Club, Woodworking Club, Archery Club and Perse Climbing Academy.
The Perse has a long and proud history of delivering Outdoor Education. Our staff are qualified and experienced, delivering high quality coaching in our state of the art climbing wall.
THE PERSE COMP SQUAD
The Perse climbing competition squad offers experienced young climbers aged 7-17 the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive, team-orientated environment.
Designed for passionate and motivated youth, the squad provides structured training sessions led by experienced coaches, focussing on technique, strategy and mental resilience. Athletes may have the opportunity to compete in local, regional and national competitions, gaining valuable experience and building confidence both on and off the wall.
The programme emphasises personal growth, teamwork, and a love for the sport, making it an ideal setting for young climbers aiming to reach new heights.
MISS
SARAH POLLARD
Deputy Climbing Manager
• British Sign Language, Deaf Studies and Linguistics BA (hons)
• British Sign language level 3
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor
• Expedition Medic
MR ELLIOT
PAVELEY
Climbing Instructor
• RSA Rope Access Setter
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor
• Expedition Medic
• Archery Instructor
TRIAL PERIOD FOR THE PERSE COMP SQUAD
The trial period for the Perse Climbing Squad is designed to identify young climbers who show potential, enthusiasm and a strong work ethic.
After registering interest and providing some information on climbing background, climbers may be invited to a trial session where Coaches will assess climbing technique, problem-solving ability, strength and attitude as well as how climbers respond to coaching and working with others. No previous competition experience is required, just a passion for climbing and a willingness to learn. Selected climbers will be invited to join the squad and begin training for the upcoming competitive season.
WHAT WE’RE
LOOKING FOR IN THE TRIAL SESSION...
O Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
O A willingness to learn and work hard
O Good listening skills and focus during coaching
O A love for climbing and a desire to improve
WHAT WE PROVIDE IN-DEPTH TRAINING
& COACHING
Our experienced coaches provide high-quality instruction focused on improving technique, strength, movement, and problem-solving. Climbers receive structured training that prepares them for the physical and mental demands of competition climbing.
SMALL COACH-TO-CLIMBER RATIOS
We keep our groups small to ensure every athlete receives personalised coaching, targeted feedback, and a safe, supportive environment to grow.
COMPETITION PREPARATION
We equip athletes with the skills they need to confidently compete. This includes route-reading, pacing, mindset coaching, and competition strategy.
SQUAD TEE SHIRT INCLUDED
All squad members receive an official Perse Comp Squad tee shirt as part of their membership.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
COMPETITIONS
The Perse Comp Squad has an exciting season ahead with the opportunity to attend a range of competitions to challenge athletes’ skills and showcase their progress.
One of the key highlights of our calendar is Midlands Youth Climbing Series (MYCS) a competition series with events held in various locations across the region. Climbers can attend as many of the rounds as they wish. We also aim to attend some one-off events such as the Southern Youth Bouldering Championships 2025.
Transport to Competitions
Please note that we do not provide transport to competitions. Parents/guardians are responsible for getting competitors to and from events. Our coaches endeavour to be present at competitions to support, guide, and encourage the athletes throughout the day.
Weekly Cost
The programme costs £26 per week, which covers coaching sessions and the squad tee shirt.
Competition entry fees are not included and must be paid separately.
Please contact the climbing team on climbing@perse.co.uk for all enquiries
WHAT ELSE WE OFFER AT THE PERSE SPORTS CENTRE
Wild Climbers –
Our Wild Climbers courses are for children aged 4-7 years, offering a fun, game-oriented program that introduces young climbers to the indoor climbing environment in a safe and engaging way. The 60-minute sessions focus on developing climbing movements and building confidence.
For more information please visit:
NICAS Climbing and Bouldering –
We offer NICAS Climbing from Level 1 to 4 and NICAS Bouldering from Level 1 to 3 to young people aged 7 years and above. These sessions are designed to help young climbers develop their skills, progress through the levels, and gain confidence in both climbing and bouldering.
For more information please visit:
Learn to Climb Sessions
Our Learn to Climb sessions provide a supportive and engaging pathway for anyone looking to develop strong foundational climbing skills, whether they are young climbers preparing for future competitions or adults discovering the sport for the first time. With a focus on essential techniques, movement, confidence-building, and safety, these sessions help children strengthen the abilities they’ll later rely on in competitive environments, while offering adults a fun, accessible introduction to climbing at their own pace. Guided by experienced instructors, participants of all ages benefit from personalised coaching, steady progress, and an encouraging atmosphere that makes learning both rewarding and enjoyable.
Taster Sessions
Perfect for people wanting to try climbing for the first time. These one-hour sessions are perfect for ages 4 and over, offering an exciting opportunity to scale our walls, challenge yourself, and enjoy quality time together. Whether you’re new to climbing or have experience, these sessions are tailored for all abilities.