UK Youth, a national youth working organisation, has condemned North Tyneside Council's decision to close its outdoor education centre High Borrans near Windermere by November 2026, warning that young people do not have a second chance at growing up. The closure, announced earlier this month, has sparked public and political controversy.
Decision Prompted by Decline in School Trips and High Maintenance Costs
The council cited a reported decline in school trips, schools using other providers, and a £3.4 million maintenance bill to keep the facility compliant. A petition to save the site has garnered over 2,090 signatures at the time of publication.
David Watts, director of outdoor learning at UK Youth, stated: "The planned closure of High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre is the latest announcement in a deeply worrying trend. The loss of centres like High Borrans, which are proven to help young people build confidence, resilience and essential life skills, will be felt for generations to come."
Contradiction with Government Youth Strategy
Watts added: "You cannot claim to be closing the opportunity gap for young people nationally while quietly shutting the doors that have opened it locally for 59 years. The Government’s own Youth Matters strategy commits to halving the participation gap in enriching activities by 2035, yet closing a subsidised centre that already serves disadvantaged young people runs counter to that promise."
He emphasised: "High Borrans is not a line on a spreadsheet; it’s where young people from the North East found out who they could be. Young people don’t get a second go at growing up."
Usage and Financial Details
Recent attendance figures show the centre was used by just 1,255 pupils from Years 5 to 8 out of a potential cohort of 9,300. The council subsidises each visit with around £165 per child, including £62,000 annually to support places for children from outside North Tyneside.
A spokesperson for the council’s ruling Labour group stated that the £3.4 million required to maintain the site would have to be borrowed, and since the centre operates at a loss, the loan costs would fall on the council’s budget, placing further pressure on local services.
Council's Response and Transition Plans
Rebecca Wall, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, said: "The Council has taken the difficult decision to close High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre following a detailed review of its usage, costs and long-term sustainability. We know how valued the centre is and the important role it has played for many years."
She added: "However, like councils across the country, we are facing significant financial pressures. The level of investment required to maintain and modernise the centre, alongside the ongoing subsidy needed to support each visit, means it is no longer financially viable. We recognise the impact this decision will have on our dedicated staff team and on schools with existing bookings. We are committed to working closely with them to provide support and ensure a carefully managed transition."
Call for Consultation and Alternatives
UK Youth is calling on North Tyneside Council to pause the closure timetable, consult meaningfully with stakeholders including young people, and publish a full account of alternatives explored, giving partnership or leasing options genuine consideration. The local authority has confirmed that the decision-making report was treated as exempt due to sensitive information and staff details, and council officers were on site to support colleagues after the decision.
