Teachers Zone

How To Book & Plan Your Trip

Step 1

Contact us to establish the type of visit you would like to enjoy and when you would like to come. We can then discuss a provisional booking. It is helpful if you have an idea of how many children you estimate will come on the trip. We will send you a Booking Form.

Step 2


Once you have received your Booking Form, please complete the relevant details and return it to us. We will then send you details of the deposit required and full confirmation of your booking.

Step 3

At this point we strongly recommend that you come on a preview visit, if you haven’t already done so, to familiarise yourself with the layout of Hooke Court and discuss your programme of activities. Once we have arranged your programme we will send you a confirmed itinerary. At this point we would advise you to confirm all your transport requirements for the trip - all groups are responsible for making their own transport arrangements.

Step 4


At this point you will probably want to hold a parents evening to inform your parents of what you plan to do. We can send you supporting literature to help with this.

Step 5


During the weeks preceding your trip we will contact you to confirm numbers, special diets and discuss any special needs that you may have. You will also need to ensure that you have read all Hooke Court Risk Assessments as appropriate for your visit. 

FAQs

Do pupils from different schools mix?

We are delighted to say that the answer to this is no! All schools and groups are accommodated in their own accommodation unit with their own common room, boot room and kitchenette. All groups eat their meals separately. Each groups will participate in their own activities. You will inevitably see other groups around and may enjoy a break from activities at the same time but you will not be asked to share facilities or otherwise. You can also book shared facilities such as the Aelfric Hall for your sole use if you want to run a specific activity with your group.

What is included in the fee?

The basic fee always includes accommodation, meals from the evening on day one through to packed lunch on your departure day. Free staff places are offered on a ratio of 1:10. A free preview visit is also included. The packages also include a full programme of tutored activities. The booking price does not include transport to and from the centre, or between the centre and off-site locations.

What about dates and prices?

Our prices are listed on this web site but for availability please call us on 01308 862260.

How secure is Hooke Court?

Hooke Court is located on the edge of a very rural village and is some distance from any town. Each accommodation unit is secure and each group is issued with its own key. We ensure that the premises are well lit. So peaceful is the setting that there is absolutely no need for security fencing, CCTV or other such measures. When you come on a visit you will see for yourself just how safe a place Hooke Court is!

Do you have fire drills?

All group leaders are given a full briefing on what to do in the event of a fire on arrival. A fire drill will be conducted on the first day of your visit.

What are your accommodation arrangements like?

Pupils sleep in bunk bedded dormitories. You can allocate children to rooms as you see fit. Sheets, duvets and pillows are provided. groups wishing to camp will need to bring their own sleeping bag (children only). Toilet and shower facilities also form part of the accommodation blocks. There are also boot rooms, common rooms and a kitchenette equipped with squash, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and biscuits!

Where are staff accommodated?

Staff are accommodated in single and twin bedrooms interspersed amongst the dormitories. There are staff bathrooms and also a staff ‘common room’.

What is your payment process?

Once you have reserved your dates for a Hooke Court visit you will be informed when your non-refundable deposit is required. Thereafter the remainder of the payment will be due at the time of your visit.

What care is available during the night?

Teachers are accommodated within the same accommodation as the children. There are also several members of staff at Hooke Court who live on site and can be contacted at night to support you in the case of an emergency.

Will pupils need additional spending money?

We do have a small shop which sells souvenirs,gifts and confectionery. Group staff run this facility and can therefore limit children’s spending as they feel fit. We would recommend that children bring no more than £5 pocket money with them.

What about pupils with special needs?

Hooke Court has plenty of experience of caring for and teaching individuals of all different needs. Where appropriate children with special needs can be brought on a preview visit of their own to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. There is a mobile home which can be used to accommodate a child and carer when necessary. We require you to notify us of any special needs within your group in advance so that we can ensure we have arranged the correct equipment, lighting, staffing etc for that child’s requirements. This will ensure that the children get the maximum benefit from their visit.

How can I be contacted in an emergency?

The office is manned from 8.30am - 5.30pm and emergency phone calls can be taken. You should ensure you have adequate mobile coverage for the evening. At both centres T mobile, orange and Vodafone work.

Can parents telephone students?

If parents need to speak to their child urgently then they should call your school emergency contact. We ask that parents do not phone the office – you can imagine how busy the phones might get! We strongly advise that children do not bring mobile phones on the visit – the reception is poor and therefore they are unlikely to get a signal anyway!

Do you have first aid cover?

Groups should bring their own qualified first aider and appropriate first aid kit. In addition we have a number of fully qualified first aid staff. They are available to help and support the group first aider should they be required.

Do pupils need any specialist clothing?

No, but we would recommend that children bring clothing appropriate to the activity! They should not bring their best clothes in case they get damaged. Welly boots and waterproofs for outside activities are essential for wet weather. Some activities do require the children to wear a long-sleeved top and full length trousers. We would advise that children always bring at least one set of this type of clothing. The living history programmes are often enhanced if the children wear period costumes - this can be great fun for children and staff alike. 

Download Recommended Kit List

Who is responsible for the children?

You, as the class teacher remain responsible for your children at all times. We always have staff on hand to help out in any situation. Our tutors will run your activities and ensure that you are always safe and working within the correct guidelines.

What accreditation does Hooke Court have?

Hooke Court is a member of LOTC, and has annual checks from ROSPA of all its equipment. All tutors are trained to work within the set health and safety guidelines. For further information click here

What insurance do you have?

We have £10 million liability insurance.

What happens if a child needs the doctor / hospital?

We will assist and help organise transport etc. if you need to take a child to the hospital or to see the doctor. We have a very good relationship with the local doctor who is very helpful when treating our guests.

Are we able to use all of the facilities on site?

If you would like to use some of the shared facilities on site, all you need to do is enquire at the office and book the time you would like to use it.

Preview Visits

We strongly encourage all group leaders to come on a preview visit. Overnight accommodation is available for 2 adults, should it be required. 

The preview visit will allow you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the layout of Hooke Court and the accommodation. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your programme of activities and ask any questions which you may have. 

In our experience trips where the group leader has previously visited the site are the most successful and least stressful!