The centre operates a 3 year booking programme that enables all schools to enjoy the centre at different times of the year. If you would like to be part of the system please do not hesitate to contact us at the centre on 01929 422448

Availability – Monday to Friday
There are some dates that are still free this year, so if you want to come and see us just ring and book on 01929 422448.

We are able to cater for part weeks as well as full weeks. We may also be able to accommodate pupils and staff in the cottage (5 pupils and 1 adult) should this be necessary. Where the whole site is available we are able to take up to 2 groups, one of around 36/48 and one of 24/28

Please refer for the prices section for details regarding minimum numbers.

Academic Year 2009 – 2010

Autumn Term
Week of the 19th October (max48)

Week of 6th Nov (max24)

Week 23rd Nov (max24)

Academic Year 2010 – 2011

The centre will shortly be allocating visit dates to schools in its 3 year booking system. Once this is complete any available dates will be posted on here.

Availability – Weekend

The centre is actively seeking to increase the number of weekend groups and is able to offer stays of 2 or 3 nights, depending on the groups needs. Please note that we require approximately 30 students for a weekend stay and therefore it is likely that you will share the site with another school. Please read our weekend policy.

Academic Year 2009 – 2010

11th Nov (whole site), 30th Oct (max48), 6th Nov (max 24), 13th Nov (max 24), rest of weekends in November and December

Most weekends in Spring and Summer terms.

Academic Year 2010 – 2011

Most weekends

Weekend Policy

Groups who have sole occupancy of the site and whose numbers are 10 or below, would be requested to pay for a minimum of 10.Therefore, if your group is small in number, we would endeavour to allocate your group with a larger sharing group. This eliminates the issue of charging for minimum numbers.

Any school with very small numbers (10 or under) can contact the centre to explore the possibility of using the bungalow on site on a self-catering basis.

Dormitory preferences will be noted and the centre will endeavour to accommodate schools in their preferred dormitories, however, this cannot be guaranteed.

Townsend Centre Price List

1^st April 2009 – 31^st March 2010

(Please note that prices quoted are exclusive of VAT)

Minimum Numbers

We operate a minimum numbers policy and this will affect the dormitories that schools are allocated.

Usually, if there are 2 schools on site, then the smaller school will be allocated Peveril dormitory, where there is a minimum number of 24 and the larger group will be allocated Ballard and Durlston with a minimum occupancy of 36. If it is certain that there is only one school on site than we will allocate Peverial dormitory and use Ballard and Durlston as overspills, should this be appropriate. However should a late booking be made we will revert to the above system. For single occupancy of the whole site a minimum number of 60 is required.

Teacher/Adult Ratios

In line with recommendations from the DFES, the centre operates a 1:10 adult to child ratio. These adults are entitled to free places, however all additional adults (including coach drivers) will be charged at the usual rate.

This equates to:

If the school/group brings a pupil with a particular SEN that requires 1 to 1 supervision, then this adult also comes free of charge. In this case, we would require clear information prior to the visit as to why direct supervision is necessary.

Cancellation Policy

Six months in advance of a visit, the centre will contact each group to confirm the date and numbers visiting the centre.

This is the final opportunity for groups to review their booking and numbers. If a group needs to cancel or change the date of their visit, the centre needs to know in writing 6 months in advance. This will give the centre enough time to try and give the group a more appropriate date or to allocate another school to their slot.

If schools cancel without giving the 6 months notice, a tariff of £72.00/£76.50 per pupil will be charged, unless there are mitigating circumstances which will need to be discussed with the Head of Centre.

If at the six month stage a school finds they are unable to reach their minimum numbers, the centre will assess the circumstances on a case by case basis. It may mean the group may have to change their visit date, or agree a new minimum number. If by the time of the visit, group numbers have not reached the agreed target then the centre will require the group to meet them half way in funding any shortfall.

For example: