Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres (AHOEC) Gold Award
At the end of February, we were re-awarded our the AHOEC Gold Award, which encompasses not only safety but also the quality of service and learning. With 9 areas of focus, we used this opportunity to really hone in on what we do well and ensure we are always developing our provision and delivery.
With this Gold Standard award, we are recognised as being a provider that assures good operational practice within the context of high-quality learning outcomes. The nine areas assessed are as follows:
- Compliance with the AHOEC Code of Conduct
- Learning and Development
- Customer Care
- Safety Management
- Facilities
- Leadership and Management
- Environmental Sustainability
- Compliance and Insurance
- Continuous Improvement
This is carried out both through self-assessment forms but also an inspection, which was carried out on site and completed alongside the help of our Development & Operations Manager.
Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge
At Calvert Exmoor, we believe that learning outside the classroom is just as important as learning inside. Not only does it boost engagement through sparking curiosity and enthusiasm, but it makes learning interactive, encourages social skills, enhances creativity and supports wellbeing by connecting concepts to real-world situations.
While we offer highly-revered school residential trips that incorporate the curriculum of each school group, we believe that learning is life-long and so we still encourage learning and development of these skills with other non-school groups too, no matter their age.
We are very proud to have had our LOtC quality badge renewed and to be a provider of outdoor education.
Adventure Activity Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC) Adventure Mark
While it’s a non-statutory scheme, we believe in the importance of excelling in the provision of adventure activities in the safest way possible and this is why we’ve been re-awarded our AAIAC Adventuremark.
This scheme ensures that we manage potential risks of adventure activities and meet all the necessary standards of good practice within the adventure activity industry. Therefore, you can book with us knowing that your safety is paramount!
Staff Achievements
Alongside the amazing awards our centre receives, our instructors are always working hard to develop their own skills and gain qualifications that ensure our sessions are safe, efficient and to a high standard.
Well done to:
- Dan and Fin for completing their Powerboat Level 2 qualification, expanding on their watersports qualification ready for the season ahead. This was completed over two gorgeously sunny days with Skern Training and Skills.
Fin driving in his Powerboat Level 2 training.
- Tom, Ben, Alex, Dan and Fin for completing an insightful Climbing For All workshop at Quay Climbing Centre, with Gavin Kelly of Ibex Outdoor, exploring techniques that will enhance the accessible climbing sessions delivered at the centre.
Dan trying out the wheelchair set-up in Climbing For All Training
- Meg for completing her British Horse Society Qualifications Level 2 Foundation Coaching Riders qualification, a much deserved recognition for her excellent coaching in the Equestrian Centre.
Meg and Harold the horse in the Equestrian Centre at Calvert Exmoor
At Calvert Exmoor, our incredible team is at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication is what makes the outstanding service we provide possible, ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Here’s just a glimpse of the amazing work our team does every day:
- Guest Services – The friendly voices behind every booking and the warm welcome that makes guests feel at home.
- Instructors – Bringing energy and expertise to deliver exciting activities from morning until evening.
- Housekeeping & Maintenance – Working tirelessly to keep our centre safe, clean, and comfortable for everyone.
- Catering Team – Creating delicious, warming meals and catering to all dietary needs with care. (Did you know? We’re currently looking for our next Kitchen Manager! Head to our Careers page to find out more.)
- Office Superheroes – From fundraising and marketing to finance and facilities, this dedicated team keeps everything running smoothly.
We can’t wait to share exciting updates with you in the coming months—think new qualifications, fresh activities, prestigious accreditations, and well-earned awards. If 2024 has been a year of success stories, 2025 is shaping up to be even better! Stay tuned…
