Hampshire County Council has shared a list of outdoor education providers after facing backlash over plans to close Stubbington Study Centre
They mentioned that 12 schools from Basingstoke and Deane have already booked visits this year, and those plans are still on. But the council insists there are over 100 other outdoor providers available for schools.
The Gazette asked for the full list, and after some back and forth, they finally got it. But here’s the kicker: many of these places are far away and don’t offer the same kind of residential stays that Stubbington does.
For instance, Farms for City Children is over 100 miles away in Gloucestershire. That’s quite a trek! Other options include places like Test Valley Borough Council and a YHA in Swanage.
The council claims this list shows that Stubbington is just one of many options for outdoor education. But let’s be real, it’s not the same as having a local spot that offers both day visits and overnight stays.
