Schools & Under 18s Leaps

investment in personal growth + academic achievement

Achieve. Empower. Grow.

In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, it’s easy for young people to keep their heads down — focused on the next notification, the next deadline, the next step. But sometimes what they really need is the chance to look up, and look out.

That’s where The Leap comes in.

Our School Leaps and Under-18 Leaps offer more than just adventure. They create the space for young people to step beyond the familiar, to connect with new cultures, and to discover what they’re capable of when they move with purpose through the world.

We’ve seen the impact these experiences can have — on confidence, curiosity, compassion — and we believe that now, more than ever, these opportunities matter. Whether you’re a school looking to design a meaningful expedition or a parent seeking a transformative journey for your teen, The Leap is the perfect launchpad for growth, connection, and a bigger view of what’s possible.

Why It Matters

Building the Skills the Classroom Can’t


Today’s young people are growing up in a fast-paced, hyper-connected world, and it’s taking a toll. Anxiety is on the rise, resilience is on the decline, and many students are struggling to develop the independence and real-world perspective they’ll need for adulthood. Traditional education alone isn’t enough.

What’s missing is space to stretch, to step outside comfort zones, and to discover who they really are, away from screens and academic pressure. That’s where our adventures come in.

They offer the challenge, connection, and contribution needed to unlock confidence, purpose, and perspective.

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We Offer More Than Just a Trip

Purposeful Travel with Academic Power

Unlike standard school trips, our Leaps combine real-world adventure with recognised academic achievement. Every programme is designed to offer:

A meaningful mix of challenge, culture, and contribution.

The option to complete the Diploma in International Volunteering, accredited by the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies and worth 16 UCAS points.

Eligibility for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Residential section.

Deep, hands-on learning that develops leadership, empathy, and global awareness. This is how we turn travel into something truly transformative—with impact that goes far beyond the trip itself.

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You’re in Safe Hands

Trusted by Schools, Parents, and Students for Over 20 Years

Since 2002, The Leap has led purposeful adventures for thousands of young people. From the highlands of Peru to the beaches of Kenya, we’ve built a reputation for transformative travel that’s safe, structured, and inspiring. We understand what it takes to deliver successful school expeditions and under-18 programmes, because we’ve been doing it for over two decades. Here’s what sets us apart:

20 years of experience in youth travel and expedition planning.
Fully supported adventures with UK-based staff, trusted local guides, and robust risk management.
Safeguarding-first approach, with policies and practices designed to protect and empower every participant.
Strong partnerships with respected schools, NGOs, and conservation organisations worldwide.
Personal service — whether you’re planning a bespoke school expedition or sending your teen on their first independent adventure, we’re here to guide, support, and inspire at every step.

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This isn’t just travel, it’s a turning point.

Life-enhancing journeys, lasting impact

Our adventures aren’t just memorable, they’re life-enhancing. We’ve seen shy students return home with newfound confidence, watched anxious teenagers become inspiring leaders, and witnessed young people discover passions that shape their futures.

Parents and teachers tell us the same thing: students return more resilient, globally aware, and excited about the possibilities ahead.

“Our daughter came back full of purpose and drive, ready to tackle her future with a new mindset. The Leap was the best investment we’ve ever made in her personal growth.”

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There are two ways for under 18s to get involved

1. Join an Under 18 Leap that's already built.

If you're a parent or educator with a young person ready for adventure, you can point them toward our Under-18 Leaps—12-day programmes designed for individual students aged 16–18. These are open enrolment, professionally led, and packed with purpose.

2. Build a Tailored School Leap with us.

If you're a school looking to deliver something extraordinary, we’ll work with you to create a Tailored School Leap that fits your curriculum, calendar, and goals. You bring the students—we’ll bring the impact.

Join an Under-18 Leap

Perfect for individual teens ready to step up

Designed for students aged 16–18 from schools across the UK, our Under-18 Leaps bring together adventurous young people for a shared experience of challenge, connection, and contribution.

Students sign up individually, but travel and grow as part of a supportive team, guided every step of the way by experienced Leap leaders and local experts.

Current Programme:

Kenya: Marine conservation, community work, cultural immersion + Tsavo safari

Includes:

  • 12-day fully guided team adventure
  • A diverse group of like-minded teens from across the UK
  • Option to complete the Diploma in International Volunteering
  • Qualifies for the DofE Gold Residential section
  • 24/7 support, full safeguarding, and structured itinerary

Tailored School Leaps

Perfect for schools ready to shape their own adventure

We collaborate with schools to design bespoke expeditions that match your learning objectives, term dates, and student needs. Whether you want to focus on conservation, global citizenship, or community contribution—we’ll create a Leap that brings it all together.

Includes:

  • Full itinerary design and support
  • Experienced Leap leaders and local guides
  • Option to integrate the Diploma in International Volunteering (16 UCAS points)
  • Flexible dates and destinations
  • Risk-assessed, fully supported, and purpose-driven

Ideal for:
• GCSE, A-level or IB cohorts
• DofE and enrichment programmes
• International and sustainability-focused projects/experience

discuss a tailored school leap

The Power of a Leap

Did You Know? Research shows that adventure, connection, and contribution enhance well-being, particularly during midlife transitions. Midlife isn’t a time to slow down—it’s a time to dive in. The Leap offers an extraordinary opportunity to blend adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.

The Leap’s unique approach ensures every journey nurtures your:

Mind

Gain clarity and perspective through cultural immersion and reflection.

Body

Build resilience and strength through physical challenges like hiking and yoga.

Soul

Experience joy and purpose through meaningful connections and contributions.

The Outcome?

A team of teens who return home more confident, more capable, and more connected, to the world and themselves.

What Your Leap Could Look Like

Kenya in Action

Welcome to Kuruwitu, coastal Kenya, where coral reefs meet community impact, and every day brings new opportunity for learning, leadership, and adventure.

Working in partnership with Oceans Alive, a pioneering grassroots NGO, students dive into real-world conservation and development projects that contribute to one of East Africa’s most celebrated sustainability initiatives (even visited by King Charles in 2023).

This is purposeful travel at its best—off the tourist trail, hands-on, and rooted in long-term impact.

Your Day-to-Day Might Include:

  • Regenerating coral reefs with marine biologists and promoting sustainable fishing practices
  • Building clean cookstoves (jikos) to reduce deforestation and improve respiratory health in rural homes
  • Supporting water access and vertical garden projects for local families
  • Sailing a traditional dhow on Kilifi Creek and bartering in local markets
  • Going on safari in Tsavo National Park
  • Joining football matches, church services, and shared meals to connect with local culture

Cambodia in Action

Welcome to Cambodia, a country of ancient temples, jungle landscapes, floating villages, and powerful resilience. This is a journey that goes far beyond the backpacker trail, offering cultural immersion, hands-on contribution, and a deep connection to people and place.

In partnership with local NGOs, social enterprises, and conservation initiatives, students explore Cambodia’s past and present through work that empowers women, protects wildlife, and promotes sustainability.

This is where challenge meets contribution, and unforgettable memories are made.

Your Day-to-Day Might Include:

  • Supporting women’s empowerment projects.
  • Volunteering with English and creativity workshops for children in rural learning centres
  • Partnering with plastic reduction campaigns to permaculture gardening
  • Exploring the Angkor Wat temples, Tonlé Sap Lake, and learning to cook traditional dishes like Amok
  • Journeying into the jungle to walk with rescued elephants
  • Visiting the Killing Fields
  • Beach time on Rabbit Island

Every journey leaves a mark. Read about the experiences that changed lives.

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To end our trip, we went on a safari in Tsavo East National Park, where we saw breathtaking wildlife that we’d only ever seen in pictures or on TV. From elephants, buffalo and hyenas to zebras and giraffes, the experience was magical and unforgettable.
Lilly - Student, Dauntsey's School
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Overall, this trip was far more than just an adventure. It challenged us in ways we hadn’t anticipated, opening our eyes to different ways of living and requiring us to be resilient, organised, and adaptable. It’s given us a new perspective on the world, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, even in small ways.
Emily - Student, Dauntsey's School
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Our personalised itinerary had everything we asked for and more; we wanted our pupils to really immerse themselves in the local community and complete acts of service which would be genuinely meaningful and the Leap, who partnered with Ocean’s Alive more than delivered. I cannot recommend the Leap and the Kenya experience more highly.  They have given us memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Genevieve Ford - DOWNEHOUSE SCHOOL
google reviews 4.9 stars

Explore our programmes today and find the perfect Leap to kickstart your Under 18 or School adventure.

Whether you’re looking to boost your CV, grow personally, or make meaningful connections, a Leap programme is the perfect foundation for the journey ahead.