Residential and Day Trips

At OBA, we recognise the profound impact that trips and visits can have on a student’s education. Beyond the classroom, these experiences enrich learning, foster independence, and inspire a deeper engagement with the world.

Throughout the academic year, we offer a diverse programme of opportunities designed to broaden horizons and spark curiosity. From theatre performances and university lectures to residential adventures, museum explorations, and cultural excursions, students at OBA are encouraged to step into new environments that challenge and inspire them.

These experiences are not only curriculum‑enhancing but also life‑shaping, helping students to build confidence, develop resilience, and cultivate a lasting love of learning. To see highlights from past trips, please visit our Facebook page.

Here are some of the trips and visits that are taking place in the coming months:

Residential Trips

This trip will help to provide valuable experience with the historic Western Front environment, give students appreciation for the sufferings of those impacted, and support their learning in the classroom.

This year we have chosen to run the trip from Thursday 30th April 2026 – Saturday 2nd May 2026. This is the bank holiday weekend, so please ensure there are no prior commitments before booking. By running the trip at this time, we can ensure staff and students still get a full two-day weekend after arriving back on Saturday evening.  

Students going on this trip will need to have a valid passport with them as well as a GHIC card (health insurance card). For students holding a non-British passport, it is also vital that right of residency documents are obtained prior to the trip – in line with UK and EU guidelines. Please ensure arrangements in this regard are made well in advance of the trip to ensure that your child can attend.  

Itinerary outline of our Tour (please note this can be subject to minor alterations): 

  • Services of an NST Educationalist Guide – we are using this provider 
  • Visit to Essex Farm Cemetery 
  • Visit to Hill 60 & Caterpillar Crater 
  • Visit to Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery 
  • Visit to Memorial Museum Passchendaele 
  • Visit to Menin Gate & the Last Post Ceremony 
  • Visit to Sanctuary Wood Hill 62 Museum 
  • Visit to Spanbroekmolen Crater 
  • Visit to Talbot House, Museum & Garden 

The parent contribution includes a two-night stay in Ypres on a full-board basis, ferry/coach travel, and a guided tour with a qualified NST expert. We have been travelling with NST for the past two years and have been very impressed with their service. We are offering the option of a structured payment plan to help ease the financial burden of paying for this trip. 

Bookings have closed for this trip.

Children have been individually selected to attend this trip as a reward for their on-going positive contribution and excellent behaviour within PE lessons and for displaying the right character traits we try to promote within lessons.

Within the cost of the trip, it includes accommodation, all meals, travel and activities. Students will travel to and from Caythorpe Court by Academy minibus.

Over the weekend students will have the opportunity to take part in a number of activities which include; abseiling, archery, challenge course, climbing, giant swing and orienteering plus evening activities such as a camp fire. For further information please visit www.pgl.co.uk.

Bookings have closed for this trip.

Day Trips

“Maths Inspiration is a national programme of interactive maths lecture shows for teenagers. We want to show 14-17 year olds that there’s far more to maths than taking exams. We give them a chance to experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers presenting mathematics live in the context of exciting, real-world applications. Our shows are exceptional value for money. We usually hold our events in theatres, because nothing beats the experience of watching a show in person, but we also do occasional live shows online. Maths Inspiration began in 2004. Since then over 200,000 teenagers have attended our shows making us one of the largest and most successful maths enrichment programmes in the UK.” 

Students will be leaving the Academy around 12pm and will return around 5pm on Wednesday 10th December. We will be travelling to Cambridge via minibus and students will be required to wear full school uniform.

Bookings have closed for this trip.

As part of their English studies on The Woman in Black, students will have the opportunity to attend a matinee performance of this acclaimed production on Thursday 29th January at The Alexandra, Birmingham.

Widely regarded as one of the most successful and longest-running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping play is a masterclass in atmosphere, illusion, and controlled horror. Having been seen by over 8 million people worldwide, The Woman in Black continues to both delight and terrify audiences of all ages. The story follows Arthur Kipps, a man haunted by a curse he believes has been cast upon him and his family by the mysterious spectre of the Woman in Black. In his desperation, he enlists the help of a young actor to retell his chilling tale and confront the fear that consumes him.

Students will travel to Birmingham by coach, departing the Academy at approximately 11am. We expect to return between 7:00 and 7:30pm, subject to traffic. Final details will be confirmed closer to the date.

Bookings have closed for this trip.

The Grade Booster cinema workshops are designed and delivered by the trusted Tutor2u subject teams; all of whom know what students need to succeed in the 2026 exams. Each workshop has four fast-paced, interactive and fun sessions delivered in the cinema screen. Students will take away lots of great advice on effective exam technique, and a fantastic workshop booklet packed with useful information. 

What’s included 

  • Full day of engaged learning in a modern, multiplex cinema 
  • Designed and delivered by the tutor2u subject experts 
  • Dedicated workshop booklet packed with useful advice on exam technique 
  • 40% one-time discount code to use on any tutor2u printed resources 
  • Enrolment on the supporting Grade Booster Online course 
  • Access to the supporting “attendee hub” with downloadable resources and additional support materials. 

The academy has managed to secure funding to enable all Year 11 Business Studies students to attend this trip free of charge. Timings and further details will be sent out nearer the time.

Bookings are currently open on iPay to all Year 11 Business Studies Students.

The Grade Booster cinema workshops are designed and delivered by the trusted Tutor2u subject teams; all of whom know what students need to succeed in the 2026 exams. Each workshop has four fast-paced, interactive and fun sessions delivered in the cinema screen. Students will take away lots of great advice on effective exam technique, and a fantastic workshop booklet packed with useful information. 

What’s included 

  • Full day of engaged learning in a modern, multiplex cinema 
  • Designed and delivered by the tutor2u subject experts 
  • Dedicated workshop booklet packed with useful advice on exam technique 
  • 40% one-time discount code to use on any tutor2u printed resources 
  • Enrolment on the supporting Grade Booster Online course 
  • Access to the supporting “attendee hub” with downloadable resources and additional support materials. 

The academy has managed to secure funding to enable all Year 13 Business Studies students to attend this trip free of charge. Timings and further details will be sent out nearer the time.

Bookings are currently open on iPay to all Year 13 Business Studies Students.

Useful Information and Links

Online bookings and payments for Academy trips and visits can be made through our online payment provider, iPayImpact.

We kindly ask parents and guardians to provide Data and Consent information to help us ensure that all travel bookings and arrangements run smoothly. This may include passport information, emergency contact details, medical information, and parental consent, depending on the nature of the trip.

All information provided will be stored securely and used solely for the organisation and safe management of the trip, in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.

Parent will be contacted directly with the relevant Consent and Data form for their child’s trip.

If your child requires medication for the trip, please ensure it is clearly labelled and handed to the trip leader together with a completed Administration of Medication on School Trips Form.

An editable version of the form can be accessed via the link below. Paper copies can be supplied by the school office.

Administration of Medication on School Trips Form