A recognition of excellence
Plas Pencelli Outdoor Education Centre is celebrating achievement this week with the renewal of its AHOEC Gold Standard Award—a nationally recognised mark of excellence in outdoor learning. This accreditation reflects the centre’s continued commitment to delivering high‑quality, safe, and transformative outdoor experiences for young people.
The AHOEC Gold Standard is one of the most comprehensive quality benchmarks in outdoor education, going beyond safety requirements to assess the learning experience as a whole, including the quality of teaching and leadership, the development of our staff, and the impact of our courses on participants. The award is built around a detailed self‑evaluation process, followed by an in‑depth site visit and inspection, making it one of the most rigorous assessments available in the field.
Further information about the award is available here: https://ahoec.org/gold-standard/
A Commitment to Young People
Renewing this award highlights the dedication of the Plas Pencelli team, who work tirelessly to create meaningful, challenging, and memorable outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people. The accreditation confirms the centre continues to meet—and exceed—the highest expectations for safety, educational value, and customer care.
For the schools, youth groups, and families who visit Plas Pencelli, the Gold Standard offers reassurance that their experience is supported by robust systems, skilled staff, and an ethos committed to personal development through adventure. From climbing and caving to team‑building and problem solving, every programme is designed to help young people grow in confidence, resilience, and connection with the natural world.
