North Tyneside Council has taken the difficult but necessary decision to close High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre at the end of November 2026, following a detailed review of its usage, costs and long‑term sustainability.
High Borrans has been part of the Council’s story since 1967, providing outdoor learning experiences for generations of children and young people. We know how valued the centre is, and we recognise the important role the Friends of High Borrans have played in supporting it over many years.
However, like councils across the country, we are facing significant financial pressures. Demand for essential services, particularly in social care, continues to rise, and we must make responsible decisions about how public money is used.
Why the centre is closing
The review found a number of challenges that mean the centre is no longer financially sustainable:
- Declining usage: Fewer than half of North Tyneside schools now use High Borrans. Although the centre could serve around 9,300 pupils, recent participation has fallen to approximately 1,255 pupils.
- Rising costs and subsidy: Operating costs have continued to increase, meaning the centre has needed more financial support from the Council. This includes an annual subsidy of around £180,000 and recent operating deficits of £183,540 and £61,784. Continuing to run High Borrans would mean diverting substantial funding away from essential services.
- Significant investment needed: The building now requires around £3 million of investment to remain viable.
- Availability of alternatives: North Tyneside schools already access a range of other outdoor education providers, and the Council is not legally required to run an outdoor education centre.
Taken together, these factors mean that continuing to operate High Borrans would represent a substantial financial pressure at a time when resources must be focused on essential services.
Support for schools, staff and pupils
The closure does not mean the end of outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people. North Tyneside schools already use alternative providers, and we will work closely with them to ensure pupils can continue to benefit from high‑quality outdoor education experiences.
We are also committed to supporting staff and schools with existing bookings, and will manage the transition carefully and sensitively.
Rebecca Wall, Director of Children’s Services said: “The Council has taken the difficult decision to close High Borrans Outdoor Education Centre following a detailed review of its usage, costs and long-term sustainability.
“We know how valued the centre is and the important role it has played for many years. However, like councils across the country, we are facing significant financial pressures. The level of investment required to maintain and modernise the centre, alongside the ongoing subsidy needed to support each visit, means it is no longer financially viable.
“We recognise the impact this decision will have on our dedicated staff team and on schools with existing bookings. We are committed to working closely with them to provide support and ensure a carefully managed transition.”
What happens next
The Council will begin preparing the site for sale, ensuring best value for residents. Engagement with staff and schools will continue throughout the transition period.
We understand that this news will be disappointing for many people who have a long connection to High Borrans. We appreciate your understanding as we take this step to safeguard the Council’s ability to deliver essential services for all residents.