PGL Beyond (“PGL”), the UK’s largest outdoor education provider, today confirmed that it has acquired three centres previously operated by Kingswood, a former subsidiary of the Inspiring Learning Group. PGL has also pledged to support customers and colleagues impacted by the closure of seven other Kingswood centres.
PGL Beyond – a network of brands including PGL, NST, European Study Tours, and Studylink Tours – will take immediate ownership of the three sites: Grosvenor Hall in Ashford, Kent; Dearne Valley in Doncaster, South Yorkshire; and Overstrand Hall in Cromer, North Norfolk. This will ensure that the planned residentials for over 50,000 young people in 2025 will go ahead.
The three acquired centres will trade under the PGL name once they open to guests for the 2025 season. There will be some immediate improvements, while the full transition to a complete PGL experience is expected to be in place for the start of the 2026 season.
Group CEO Anthony Jones said, “While the trading environment remains challenging, and our sector continues to face rising costs, we are pleased to be able to acquire these three centres and provide the required financial support to maintain their operations.
“We know how important a milestone in a young person’s journey a school residential provides, and are mindful of the potential impact should they miss out on this life-changing experience” Jones continued.
“With this in mind, PGL has pledged its support from the outset, offering to work with the Administrators of the Inspiring Learning Group to proactively facilitate as many trips as possible booked with the closing centres, with no financial impact to parents. We will accept new bookings from impacted Kingswood customers at the price previously agreed with Kingswood, and further reduce that price to recognise any monies previously paid to Kingswood.”
The acquisition of centres by PGL has secured jobs for over 150 colleagues who will transfer to PGL under TUPE, and PGL will also re-offer a further 100 colleagues who had been offered seasonal contracts by Kingswood. Other colleagues affected by the closure of their centres are encouraged to contact [email protected] for assistance in finding alternative roles within PGL Beyond.
“We care about our community and are here to support everyone we can during this challenging period,” added Anthony Jones, CEO PGL Beyond. “Together, we will navigate these changes and continue to create memorable outdoor experiences for as many young people as possible – including in 2025.”
Following the acquisition, PGL Beyond operates 16 PGL centres in the UK, three in France, and three in Australia. It has support centres in Ross-on-Wye and Blackpool.
For further information, please contact:
Judith Ineson, Head of PR and Communications PGL Beyond
Telephone: 07775 530560
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pglbeyond.com/news/
Notes to editors: Schools impacted by the administration of the Inspiring Learning Group in the first instance to contact Kingswood on 0800 655 6564 or via email [email protected] for any questions or reassurance.