Adventure sports college courses, college accommodation for 16 year olds

[Backtothenineties]

Has anyones child wanted to do Adventure sports at college level and got any advice?
There is only a few colleges that offer this course and if my son does it then he will have to stay in college accommodation.
Ignoring the financial cost I'm a bit unsure whether my son is mature enough to live away.
Has anyone else child done this course and whether it is worth the financial cost of accommodation?

My DD's agricultural college (also I think offer outdoor pursuits) has accommodation. I had a look at the rules, just for interest. They seem pretty good for the 16-17yos and they can sign up for meal deals that provide most meals etc. They have separate accommodation for 18+ students.

Would it be home at weekends, or too far away even for that?

I went to boarding school at 12 so probably not best placed to judge, but I think if keen on the course it would be worth it, and suitable for your 'average' 16yo.

These days with phones and zoom etc it's easy to stay in touch.

Is the college Reaseheath? As that's where he is thinking of going.
Yes he could come home for weekends and it does seem like a good opportunity for him I'm just worried as he is only 16.

No, mine is at Sparsholt in Hampshire.

I think if he is keen then support him. I've just had a quick look at Reaseheath (where Ruth Archer on The Archers went ). It looks similar in setup to DD's college, only larger.

Honestly, if he is keen on the course I'd go for it.

It isn't like it's an independent flat. It is catered with pastoral care and activities and friends and common rooms etc.
He'll also mature between now and next September, and then again in his first 6 weeks away.

Reaseheath has a fantastic reputation and I think people travel from a fair distance to attend as well. Is that not an option?

We are a hour and half away so would mean 3 hours commute plus full days of strenuous outdoor physical activity. (Tutor has said it is full on physical outdoor and you must be physically fit) so it could be too much travelling and doing the activities all day so the only option would be living there.