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Special milestone for Coppice Valley pupils

Monday, 22 June 2026 07:07

Bell tents pitched at Coppice Valley Primary School

A first-ever on-site bushcraft residential has been hailed as "magical" at Coppice Valley Primary School in Harrogate.

Pupils in years 3 and 4 spent the night camping in bell tents with their classmates, taking part in two days of outdoor learning designed to build confidence, resilience and teamwork.

The residential is the result of 18 months of planning and was made possible thanks to a grant awarded to the school and funded by Northern Powergrid.

The funding has enabled Coppice Valley to invest in traditional bell tents, compost toilet facilities, solar-lit pathways and outdoor hygiene stations, creating a safe on-site residential experience that the school hopes will benefit pupils and the wider community for years to come.

Headteacher Hannah McNamara said:

"This residential has been a special milestone for Coppice Valley and one we have been working towards for a long time.

Our staff consistently go above and beyond. From planning every logistical element to quite literally pitching tents in challenging conditions, they have shown extraordinary teamwork and professionalism.

Most importantly, they have created lifelong memories for our children and I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together.

We are so grateful for the funding and grant support we have received to enable this to happen and we look forward to being able to offer this to schools and children outside of Coppice, to provide equity of opportunity."

During the residential, pupils learnt a range of bushcraft skills, including sawing wood to make spinning tops and drop spindles, completing orienteering challenges, taking part in team-building activities and cooking food over a campfire.

The school says the new on-site residential marks a major step forward in its outdoor learning programme and will provide lasting opportunities for children and the wider community.

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