High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre - Offer of Support
High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre - Offer of Support
An initial meeting took place with senior North Tyneside Council Officers, with the IOL Chair of Trustees and CEO and the Chair of the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres on 13th August 2026.
High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre has been at the heart of outdoor learning for the children and young people from North Tyneside for almost sixty years. Throughout that time, North Tyneside Council has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to providing life changing residential experiences, creating a legacy that has positively influenced generations of young people. We would like to acknowledge and thank the Council for its stewardship of this much-valued provision since 1967.
High Borrans OEC is part of North Tyneside’s strong sense of community with a proud history. The Centre also has the potential to be part of the bright future for the children and young people of the Borough. A substantial evidence base demonstrates that residential high-quality outdoor learning makes a significant contribution to raising attainment, improving attendance, developing essential skills and delivering meaningful engagement with education. It supports and promotes wellbeing and belonging leading to positive relationships and active citizenship.
We recognise that the decision to close High Borrans followed a thorough review of the Centre's operation, usage and long-term financial sustainability. We understand that this review identified significant challenges, including the ongoing costs associated with maintaining the buildings and estate, alongside declining and increasingly unpredictable income from school bookings. Collectively, these factors have made the current operating model increasingly difficult to sustain.
After the initial constructive meeting, we are pleased to offer our continued support to North Tyneside Council Officers in exploring whether there may be opportunities for future community, charitable, commercial or partnership arrangements that could continue outdoor education activity from the site. This includes working on strategic business plans, without obligation. We have confidence that any viable options identified will be considered carefully and transparently, and by both Council Officers and the Cabinet.